I have no memory of the Queen's accession to the throne in 1952 but I definitely saw her coronation in June of the following year on television. It was almost certainly the first time I had watched TV and I have a dim memory of a flickering screen and a pinkish filter on a small television set in Ringshall Village Hall or some such place.
When I look back on the last 60 momentous years I have to say that television has improved out of all recognition.
What do I think of the Monarchy? I honestly don't know. Perhaps if I had spent the last 40 years in England, I would have strong views on the matter. I was a very patriotic young man when I left England in 1969, and I still am (patriotic, I mean), but as things stand I'm not sure that I would be prepared to die at the stake in order to protect the Royal Family. But nobody is asking you to die at the stake. I know, but I'm just saying that I'm not sure that I would be ready to do so. All right then, who or what WOULD you be ready to die for. Now there's a question.
When I look back on the last 60 momentous years I have to say that television has improved out of all recognition.
What do I think of the Monarchy? I honestly don't know. Perhaps if I had spent the last 40 years in England, I would have strong views on the matter. I was a very patriotic young man when I left England in 1969, and I still am (patriotic, I mean), but as things stand I'm not sure that I would be prepared to die at the stake in order to protect the Royal Family. But nobody is asking you to die at the stake. I know, but I'm just saying that I'm not sure that I would be ready to do so. All right then, who or what WOULD you be ready to die for. Now there's a question.
So very fortunately for me, I have never been asked/compelled to die at the stake. But I don't think I or anyone else would have been prepared to lay down their life for "another". Leaving aside conscription in times of war (a whole different barrel of fish) I think it most often has been (see history) for an idea - a faith or belief.
ReplyDeleteAnd would this include me? Sadly from the point of view of my levels of courage or beliefs - no, I don't think so.
But of course I cannot really know, given the circumstances that might require this of me.
HRH came to the throne in February 1952.
ReplyDeleteShe was crowned in June 1953 - I know because I was outside the Abbey that day.
So why is the 60 year reign being celebrated in June 1952?
Possibly because the weather is finer in June than in February. Last Sunday, as you may recall, was a glorious day.
ReplyDeleteI think the celebration is not from accession as that is also the date of the death of previous monarch. It is always from the date of the actual Coronation.
ReplyDeleteThat would explain the DATE but not the YEAR, surely?
DeleteAs you were, because I see on googling that George V "became" king in 1910 though wasn't crowned till the following year, and HIS silver jubilee was in 1935.
ReplyDeleteBetter ask the Duke of Norfolk !