My irreverent friend wished me to "raise your glass to the dear old Queen" but was hit by a bout of Spoonerism. I'll let you work that one out for yourselves!
I'm not much of a royalist but I wish her a happy healthy birthday. I've always thought the Queen has been a good head of state, she seems to be able to behave politically neutral whatever her personal political leanings might be. Far better than having a political party sponsored head of state. Not too sure how Charles will turn out though.
And how about all those little ones. That gorgeous little George and Anne's granddaughter with great grandma's handbag. What beautiful natural photos. Gone is the stuffiness. Cute as little royal buttons.
I know wasn't she adorable, just reminded me of my nan, she held her handbag that way when she felt unsafe. Think the monarchy is safe for a while
Some time around 1953 (exact date has been lost) a forestry worker from our town decided when planting new trees, to plant a tribute to the Queen. These trees are still standing, although the pine are now out growing the trees used to make up the letters. An aerial view done by Google maps still show the trees.
A truly remarkable, totally dedicated lady. She didn't apply for the position, indeed, when she was born there was nothing to suggest she would one day become the Queen.
She's a grand old lady and what amazes me is how she can remember who's who and what's what. She and Philip make a grand couple and their kids and grandkids and great grandkids will carry on the way she has done and will continue to do. God bless her!!.
I'm a Royalist and proud of it, but one as our system works, with a PM & parliament and the sovereign an entirely neutral Head of State, like an Ambassador Extraordinaire. I reckon anyone who says they're for a republic should be made to live in one for at least two presidential elections, and they'd soon see that the elections cost a fortune and then the elected one gets to live in a palace with almost as much pomp and glory (and certainly all the fancy furniture, paintings, cooks, lackeys ...) as our Queen. Two days late by a just few minutes, I wish her a very Happy Birthday.
I'm not a republican either, no matter what the politicians over here say our choice of El Presidente would be from only those approved by the political party in office at the time, no matter how they dressed the choices up. It no doubt would turn out to be a job for the (ex politician) boys. When I look at the names behind the push for a republic here in Australia it does look like a good many people are those who are fighting "Old wars, old causes" and the fact that a certain church is backing a republic strengthens my thoughts on that score.
Findem, you know I wasn't accusing you of being a republican after all, you merely said "I'm not much of a royalist". Unlike your (ex?) fellow Aussie Rupert Murdoch who tried to sway the masses in the U.K. with his newspaper empire.
No problem, I didn't take it as an accusation, just felt like letting one and all know my opposition to a republic, I often indulge myself with a rant. Rupert Murdoch is too big for his boots, I doubt many Aussies care what he thinks, he not an Australian any more he's a foreigner.
I like a good rant from time to time, too. I had one at someone on the news this evening; it was probably a good thing he couldn't hear me. With a bit of luck, the new Mrs Murdoch - I hope she studied the marriage lines better than when she married the previous skinflint - will wear him out as quickly as possible
A politician on the Telly is often the recipient of my ire and rant, as you say it's good they can't hear us, mind you there are times when I'd like to make comments face to face, not that it would make a whit of difference, they have hides thicker than that of an Elephant. I think Rupert is at the stage of his life where he now has "Trophy Wives", after all other than a life of wealth, luxury and privilege, what's he got to offer them?
