Loretta reports:
I know King Charles II had fun, and so did a great many of his successors. George III, extremely monogamous, sired 15 legitimate children, and presided over what was reputed to be one of history's most boring courts. His sons, on the other hand, really liked to party. But shortly after Victoria ascended the throne—after she married Albert—the party element seems to have gone into decline in the British monarchy, with the emphasis shifting to Duty & Service.
And so I watch the present Queen of England visit child care centers and award titles and host parties and make small talk endlessly and look interested in deadly dull speeches and plow through mountains of letters and political documents and give speeches here there and everywhere (and let's not even start on the family issues) and I think, "Yes, I know she's really rich and owns a bunch of palaces & stuff, but I'm not sure I'd want that life."
So I was tickled to find this little video, which I hope will make you smile, too.
Friday, October 7, 2011
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One of us -- 
14 comments:
Yes, for all the wealth and position hers has often looked quite a grim life to me. Loved seeing her really smile - and move! Thanks for sharing.
I agree. She always seems so prim and proper and at times very rigid. To see her let loose a little and really laugh was delightful and made me laugh. :) Yes, thanks for sharing.
Oh how lovely to see her smile so much! Maybe being Queen is not such a drudge after all!
Thanks for this!
Deb
Nice to see her really smile. I have always thought that being a Royal in this day and age must be deadly dull — nothing to do but attend functions and open things and give innocuous little speeches (and then leave so the other guests can relax and have fun). At least in earlier centuries, kings and queens had a real job to do.
I've always enjoyed reading the biographies of English queens, and this one is no exception.
Val
Wasn't it interesting how you could see the difference between the public smile and the real thing? And it is so nice to see the real thing! I am glad to see that she has occasion to really smile.
This was charming. Reminded me of George Washington, who looks so stern in all the portraits, yet was considered the best dancer in America and the life of every party--at parties that included the likes of Jefferson and Franklin. Let's hope, for her sake, that this is the real Elizabeth.
I suppose I'm an anglophile, and I've always admired Queen Elizabeth. My eldest half sister looked just like her, even had some of the same mannerisms. It's lovely to see her smiling as if she's enjoying herself. Wouldn't want her job, would you?
By the way, love your blog and your books. Reading Loretta's latest now and so happy to have the Dreadfuls continued.
I thought the dancing a 'reel' was fun to watch and to see not just her, but the Queen Mum; Prince Phillip, Princess Anne and the Prince of Wales - all in the same group... The older films of her as a new mum, being crowned, married and serving during WWII were very interesting also!.
What a great find! Kept me smiling. I cannot recall the last time I saw picture of her smiling, much less laughing. So nice to see proof of her enjoying herself for a change. The news usually shows only dour looks.
I really miss seeing her on horseback, as she so clearly enjoyed it (and had a marvelous seat! Next time you see the clip of the time the nutzoid fired off the starters pistol during the parade, notice Burmese blowing her cool and Her Majesty sitting as if she was glued on ...)
My mother looked so much like her -- more like her than Margaret -- you'd think they were sisters!
Never seen Liz so animated! Really loved the Scottish dancing!
I agree with the rest of the comments, it is really a lovely video to find. How sweet it was to see her enjoying herself, laughing, getting down to business, and all. Loved the Cyndi Lauper, too. Thanks for sharing!
my interest is in corgis - we had a pair as kids, hilarious dogs.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-14/celebs-meet-the-queen/3571426
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