This is the Christmas Card I would have used if I had found it in time. Maybe next year. The caption on the bottom reads, 'A Hearty Welcome'. It is humour of the Bertie Wooster sort and dates from that era.
I tuned in to the Queen's Speech with added interest this year, wondering what she would say about Brexit. Although she studiously did not mentioned it by name, it was the biggest elephant in the biggest room of the biggest royal palace in the land.
The two key components were the two royal weddings (there's nothing like a royal wedding to bring the country together) and The Commonwealth. Prince Charle's 70th birthday was also mentioned with the doubly meaningful implication that with age comes wisdom. In everyone's experience that is not always true, but we all let it pass for the sake of national unity.
Prior to Trump, we always had America to rely on as a staunch ally if anything went wrong with Europe, but now even a Royal Prince's marriage into a dysfunctional American family will be of no help when (or if) the shit finally hits the fan. Maybe it is a case of when the shit stops hitting the fan. Wave after wave of the stuff has been flying up to it for a couple of years now, and there is currently no sign of abatement.
So our dear Queen was instructed to refer to the billions of Commonwealth citizens throughout the world in warm and affectionate terms. We might be in great need of them in a couple of months when we strike out on our own. The best part of Gatwick Airport has just been sold to a French company with international interests, to form part of a giant global hub. I don't know whether that is a good thing or not.
The underlying personal message in the Queen's Speech was that we must try to be nice to each other in these trying times of social division. That's easier said than done.
I would imagine that many Christmas dinner tables around the country mirrored an Eastenders Christmas Special this year, with plates of turkey and brussels sprouts being dropped on the heads of mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, uncles and aunts.
Some people were complaining about the gold piano. She is the Queen what do they expect. You wish they would give it a rest for one day.
ReplyDeleteI like the card.
I didn't watch the TV speech because I forgot until it was too late, so we listened on the radio Gold piano? Sounds like Liberace.
DeleteI suspect that the gold piano was a lovely yew wood and I also think that HM knows how to play it. Probably not a la Chas & Dave. I think that she was just right.
DeleteMore Mrs Mills I would have thought.
DeleteI was the only one who wished to hear the Queen's speech so I missed it. I watched it yesterday on record in a house where there was me (great gran), gran and grandad, two mums and dads and three children under three - so you can imagine I didn't hear much of it so thanks for the precis!
ReplyDeleteThree generations of republicans under one roof at Christmas. I'm sure you could get it somewhere as a repeat.
DeleteIs that blood on the bear's teeth?
ReplyDeleteNot yet. Just a lurid mouth I expect.
DeleteI didn't listen or see the Queen's Speech but it is normal for her to address the Commonwealth and to say warm things about the Commonwealth. She is leader of the Commonwealth after all and is addressing all of us. I wouldn't have thought it is so difficult to be nice to each other.
ReplyDeleteOf course she mentions the Commonwealth each year. I was merely pointing out that a great emphasis has been placed on it this year. I have heard a few Queen's Speeches before, you know. As far as being nice to each other not being so difficult, I am living proof that this is not always the norm. Nothing is the fucking norm these days.
DeleteI didn’t hear the Queen’s Speech, I’ve seen Elf and it’s funny but, the most shocking revelation is that you buy your shoes from Crockett and Jones but your pants from TK Maxx !!! 🤣😂 XXXX
ReplyDeleteNobody sees my pants these days, but they do see my feet.
DeleteI wish someone could see my pants
ReplyDeleteGo to Google Earth and the world can see your pants. I think most of Trelawnyd has seen your arse too.
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