Today marks the 60th year that Queen Elizabeth II has been queen. Happy ... Queen Day? E took to the throne in 1952 when she was just 25 years old after her father, George VI, died. (What were you doing when you were 25?) And the ol' gal shows no signs of stepping down any time soon. In a message to the people of Britain, she stated: "In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope that we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship, and good neighborliness."
Aw, that's sweet. I wish we had someone so austere here in America. But ... isn't it time she throw in the scepter already? I know one person who thinks so ...
Prince Charles. At the rate he's going, that poor man is going be 85 when he becomes king. Of course, he hasn't expressed any displeasure with the situation -- that would be foolish -- but how could he not be displeased? His mother has been running the royal joint since she was 25; he's 63. Let him have a crack at it already. He's so close yet so far away. And besides, doesn't she want to just relax right now? She's 85!
Obviously, there are many, many perks to being the Queen of England -- one being, you're the freakin' Queen of England. But I certainly don't think Elizabeth would have to forgo her luxurious lifestyle if she stepped down. She'd just have to speak in public less, have fewer formalities, and cut down on the pillbox hats. No biggie. It should be a welcome change for her -- she can just enjoy her incredibly ostentatious life, no holds barred, as opposed to, you know, "working."
Perhaps that's what keeps her going, though -- the work. They say it's good to have a purpose in life, and maybe for Elizabeth, being queen is that purpose. It's a good one, I guess. But man, for Charles, it's really gotta suck sometimes.
Do you think Queen Elizabeth should step down and let her son have a go?
Image via Michael Gwyther-Jones/Flickr
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Comments 12
I don't think she should just to let her son have a crack at it.
I love the queen and I also love her hats and beautiful clothes. But yes, I think Prince Charles should have a chance. Or, better yet, skip right over him and go with Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.
The monarchy is an institution with rules. One doesn't simply step down, it causes crisis and demeans the institution. Nor can she simply skip Charles. The rules of succession exist to create stability and do not bend to personalities.
Charles is a tool. He selfishly continued his relationship with Camilla after picking out a way too young girl to marry.
Elizabeth will NEVER abdicate. She saw what her uncle's abdication (over a woman!) did to her country and to her father. She's made of better stuff than that. She will serve as Queen as long as she is alive. Elizabeth has held her position for 60 years with grace and dignity. She is everything a monarch SHOULD be (if one wants a monarch). The world will miss her when she passes but I certainly hope Charles is not around to see that day. Prince William and Kate will make a FAR better set of monarchs than Charles and Camilla.
I hope Kate's first child is a girl... Elizabeth the Third.
I totally agree with kmsjax and Whatever on this one. This is the British Monarchy! What does it say about American (or first-world) culture, when there is an outcry to replace someone (The Queen of all people!) once they've gotten "old" or someone prettier comes along?! Let's try to maintain some sort of dignity and tradition. I hope she rules until the day she dies. Long live The Queen! :)