We Bid Farewell To Queen Elizabeth II
Yesterday, the news was heard around the world that Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96. Just two days prior, she had granted an audience to Liz Truss, welcoming her at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, and inviting her to formally become the new Prime Minister in a ceremony that is centuries old.
I am saddened at the death of this incredible woman who steadfastly led her country with dignity, grace, humor and heart. Everything always seemed to be about the crown and not the woman wearing it. She never wavered in her dedication to serve her country. Can you imagine taking on the responsibilities of the Queen when you were 25 years old?
I’ve always admired her. There were things that I learned about her yesterday, that I never knew, that made me even more fond of her. She loved chocolate! Her favorite cake was Chocolate Biscuit Cake.
Even at the end of her life, her mind was sharp, her figure intact, so I looked into some of her habits. For dinner she would dine on meats, (especially liking game meats such as venison) or fish and vegetables. After dinner she often enjoyed a bite of classic British dark mint chocolate. For breakfast, she had tea and biscuits followed by a bowl of cereal.
She was very structured and led a disciplined life. It seems that each night she would read a bit before going to sleep at 11 p.m. She’d sleep for 8 1/2 hours, rising at 7:30 a.m., at which time she would sip Earl Grey tea while listening to the BBC Radio 4 and waiting for her maid to draw her bath. Her Majesty had very specific requirements for her bath, apparently. The water temperature was measured with a thermometer to be “tepid,” and measured in depth to be exactly seven inches of water.
The Queen loved dogs, especially Corgis, and has had about 30 of them over the years, descended from her childhood Corgi, named Susan. She was also said to have greatly enjoyed Downton Abbey, familiar with the setting in which it was filmed, and noted mistakes where they occurred.
It’s my belief that her laser-focused dedication to her life’s purpose contributed to her longevity, as did her desire to unite people, be a person of integrity, enjoy her family, take pride in her appearance and continue to learn and grow all while holding fast to the time-honored traditions that had been so meaningfully handed down to her.
I particularly love that she was a mechanic! During World War Two, Queen Elizabeth learned to be a military truck driver and mechanic while serving in the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service. Throughout her life she continued the pursuit of discovering what was wrong under the hood of a car.
What an amazing woman. She was loved and will be missed. The royal procession of her funeral will likely take place 10 days after the day of her passing. I expect it to be a moving experience. Take a moment today to remember her and stay enchanted.