For many people in the British Isles, in the Commonwealth and around the world, it felt like the Queen would always be there. She has been a constant presence in our lives, while Prime Ministers and Presidents come and go, wars are fought and society changes. Regardless of one’s views about the monarchy as an institution, or about the legacy of the British Empire, it is clear that Queen Elizabeth II was a strong, caring, dignified woman, fiercely adored by many, an icon of English-ness and known for her love of corgis, her immaculate outfits and the traditional Christmas message.
As this blog is mainly devoted to literature, it feels appropriate to mention some of the children’s books the Queen appears in, children of course being fascinated by Royals. Paddington is probably the most famous character associated with the Queen. Roald Dahl’s The BFG features the Queen, who assists in the defeat of the Giants. The Queen’s Nose by Dick King-Smith features a magic 50 pence piece. For the recent Platinum Jubilee, school children were given a non-fiction book about the Queen as a souvenir. Finally, the Adrian Mole books, which aren’t for children although teens can enjoy them, feature the Royals quite a lot; Sue Townsend also wrote The Queen and I. I’m sure there are many more examples, as the Queen has been so integral to our history and culture.
Rest in peace, Queen Elizabeth II.
She was a very special person who will be missed. (But… Townsend’s The Queen and I wasn’t such a great book, to my mind.)
Yes, agreed! A very sad time. ‘The Queen and I’ wasn’t the greatest read, I also agree with that, but the concept was interesting and bold.
I love this remembrance ❤️. It is hard to believe that she’s gone.
Thank you! I wrote it just a few minutes after I heard the news. I suppose we will get used to not having the Queen and we knew this day would come sooner rather than later, but it did feel like she’d always be there and I admit I hoped she’d make 100.