Diamond Jubilee: Britain marks Queen Elizabeth II’s reign

The Queen in the Imperial State Crown. The crown is on permanent display at the Tower of London where it is guarded by Yeomen Warders ('Beefeaters'). It features many precious gems including 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies.

(by Gregory Katz, WashingtonTimes.com) AP – LONDON – [Daily life in Britain has] given way [over] four days for a series of street parties, flotillas, outdoor concerts and finally the appearance of [the Queen] on her balcony to wave to her subjects [to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee].

The pageantry is very grand and very British. But at the heart of the Diamond Jubilee celebration is a nearly universal sense of appreciation for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, who is marking 60 years on the throne.

The queen was a vibrant young woman of 25 when she became the head of state of a faltering post-war nation. Today at 86 she remains strong of heart and stout of spirit, refusing to let age slow her pace or dim her smile, which if anything has grown more welcoming over the years.

Winston Churchill was prime minister when she became queen, and David Cameron, who wasn’t even born then, is Britain’s leader now. Elizabeth herself has no political role. But her royal mystique, the centuries of history she embodies and her own discreet charisma help define the very idea of Britain for the world.

Alan Watson, a member of the House of Lords who has written a book about the queen, said the Jubilee is a joyous occasion for many Britons who see the queen as a symbol of stability.

“These 60 years have been years of really dramatic change in the UK … the country has lost its empire and is no longer in the front rank of power, and I really think that change has been enormously eased by her and what she represents. My feeling is she has enabled change by her reassurance of essential continuity.”

When Lord Watson joined the queen at a rain-soaked tree-planting ceremony in Richmond several weeks ago, he said he was struck by her buoyant mood as the Jubilee approached.

“I got the clear feeling that she is really enjoying things,” he said. “It was pouring rain, but she really looked radiant, a happy person. I think she feels very content in herself. I think she is satisfied with how the reign has gone.”

Elizabeth has weathered shaky times with her children, whose marriages have tended to break apart, and her popularity suffered after the 1997 death of Princess Diana, with some finding her response to the tragedy to be cold and out of touch with public sentiment. …

But all evidence suggests the queen’s connection to her subjects has recovered from those blows.

There was overwhelming support for Elizabeth at the last great celebration that focused on her role – the Golden Jubilee bash that in 2002 marked her 50 years on the throne.

The event is remembered not just for the concerts and the parties but for the spectacle of an estimated 1 million people gathered in front of Buckingham Palace to wave to the queen and say: “Well done.”

A triple stand of pearls were given to then-Princess Elizabeth in 1935 by her grandfather, King George V, to celebrate his Silver Jubilee. Her Majesty is rarely seen without these pearls in the daytime.

Palace officials are hoping this simple show of affection will be repeated on Tuesday when the festivities climax with another balcony appearance.

They have reason to be optimistic. Newspaper polls [last] week suggested that affection and appreciation for Elizabeth cut across all ages, social classes and political affiliations.

For many, she is a living link to the challenges and triumphs of World War II, when she was a young princess who helped with the war effort, even learning how to drive and service heavy vehicles with the Auxiliary Transport Service.

Her staying power is impressive. Elizabeth is the oldest person to reign over Britain, and only Queen Victoria [her great-great grandmother], who took the throne at an earlier age, had a longer reign.

It is of course true that some are indifferent or hostile to the monarchy, with its vast inherited wealth and status, but few question the dedication or sincerity of the queen.

“She’s done a very good job,” said Jean Robson, a London retiree. “She works so very hard. The family’s had problems like every family, and she’s dealt with them very well.”

Robson said she and her family admire the royal family and its longtime role in the nation’s life.

“We’re very lucky to have them,” she said.

Others just feel good about the queen, even if they aren’t exactly sure what she does or what she’s really like.

“I personally like her, I think she’s like the nation’s grandma,” said Sarah Mills, a 27-year-old from York. “She seems like such a nice old lady. You can’t really know her though, can you?” …

Princes William and Harry [the Queen’s grandsons] have used rare television interviews given in the run-up to the Jubilee to emphasize that the queen is just “granny” to the younger generation. Harry described her as an active, involved parent and grandparent trying to keep track of her large brood.

He said the queen is “really very, very normal. Very relaxed. But you know, she obviously takes a huge interest in what we all do. You know, that’s her children, as well as her grandchildren.”

The queen and her husband, Prince Philip, are also coping with his heart disease, which surfaced over the Christmas holidays when he required emergency treatment to clear a blocked artery.

The 91-year-old has cut back slightly on his public appearances and some of his charity work, but is expected to be at the queen’s side for the Jubilee events.

Associated Press writer Sylvia Hui contributed to this report. Copyright 2012 The Washington Times, LLC.  Reprinted from The Washington Times for educational purposes only.  Visit the website at washingtontimes.com.

Watch a video of yesterday’s event on the Thames: