The Queen Renews Her Pledge To Serve All Her Life

[naomi24]

In a written message released to mark Commonwealth Day, the monarch, 95, said it had given her “pleasure” to renew in her Platinum Jubilee year the promise she made in 1947, “that my life will always be devoted in service”.

That, I think, puts an end to any thoughts of her stepping down in favour of Charles. Following the publication of her wish for Camilla to become Queen Consort when Charles becomes king, it seems she is putting her affairs in order and leaving no room for speculation. Wise lady.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/queen-to-ease-off-on-large-scale-events-before-platinum-jubilee-zzldptnpc

[jim360]

A lot of this, I suppose, owes to her faith, as well as to her profound sense of duty. It's clear that she's going to stay as Queen as long as her health and her mind permit it. You can't help but admire the dedication.

[ladybirder]

Bless her cotton socks as we used to say.

[douglas9401]

There is only one thing worse than being talked about...

[anneasquith]

Super.

[youngmafbog]

I never doubted she wouldnt. I suspect she fears for the Monarchy once Charles gets his hands on the throne.

Unfortunately I dont think she has much longer, a dimwit of a son to take over the crown, a philandering useless second son and a disgusting grandson must be piling the pressure of someone who is very lucky to be living anyway. Not a nice way to end your life, rich she may be but it doesnt buy you quality of life.

[naomi24]

//A lot of this, I suppose, owes to her faith, as well as to her profound sense of duty.//

Her sense of duty is paramount. She made a pledge.

Meanwhile, in a row over security, Harry, will not attend his grandfather's memorial service - but will go to Holland for the Invictus Games. I can't imagine he doesn't realise the hurt that will cause the queen.

[naomi24]

YMB, it doesn't surprise me either. It's as I expected.

[Spungle]

Excellent news. May she outlive all of them!

[Peter Pedant]

and she didnt say:
you need me considering some of my awful children and even worse grandchildren ( and or in laws) - bleeeuuuch, you lucky people,
I am certain some are chagelings

[Peter Pedant]

Harry // but will go to Holland for the Invictus Games.//

those are for injured ex servicemen arent they

I hope he doesnt return as an injured ex serviceman hur huur hur -I wish him the best

[douglas9401]

If nothing else it show how economical some furniture polishes are.

I can't remember the last time we had this information.

[Peter Pedant]

um yeah
is this meant to be on the
I can't clean my black doodah cooker thingey

[jim360]

I'm certainly not intending to criticise Her Majesty's sense of duty. For my part, I think she should abdicate and enjoy her retirement, but then again, it's clear that she doesn't want to do that -- and, I think, even if she were persuaded to step down, I'm not sure she'd "enjoy her retirement" anyway, as long she had this sense of not fulfilling her oath.

I don't share ymb's concerns about Prince Charles becoming King, though. He seems to have mellowed somewhat, and is popular again, perhaps because finally his marriage with Camilla has been accepted. In any case, even if it were true, and Elizabeth II "fears for the monarchy", then a delay of a few years is hardly going to save it.

[New Judge]

//Harry, will not attend his grandfather's memorial service...//

As hurtful as that may be to HM (though I think even she won't be too troubled at the absence of the wretch) that, as far as I am concerned is excellent news. I would prefer it if he and his ridiculous wife steered clear of these shores permanently.

[ladybirder]

What a pity Princess Anne can't do the job. She is the best suited of all HM's children to take on the role.

[naomi24]

I think Charles will do well enough.

[ynnafymmi]

As usual,best wishes to Her Majesty and the entire Royal Family from all us Scottish ABers.

[tomus42]

I don't think there's ever been a case where a British monarch has handed things over to the next in line before they died, so I don't know why it's being talked about or why she's being praised for not doing it. It's just how the monarchy works and always had done.

[jim360]

On the other hand, the Monarchy's always had to adapt itself. There's a lot of ways it used to work that no longer apply; perhaps the concept of serving until death, with abdication being regarded as shameful, is one such adaptation still to come.

It doesn't apply yet, for example, but suppose the Queen should survive for another decade or more, but finally succumb to some illness that means that she is no longer fit to rule? What then? A Regency, most likely, but it would seem more "modern" to accept that in that case she should step down, perhaps in anticipation, allowing Charles to reign without distraction.

For now, of course, we aren't in this situation, so I'm speculating here.

[douglas9401]

Funny old game, the ruling. You just have to keep going.