Queen Mum

[BrianJ]

How sad... but not unexpected .. She was loved by many of us "down under" .
She now rests in Peace.
BrianJ

 

[Jeremy_W]

I was at church this morning and I didn't meet anyone who could care less. The BBC, true to its charter, is pushing the "a nation mourns" line but with no great conviction. Even Sky News, owned by a confirmed republican, sounds more convincing.

Jennie Bond, the BBC's Royal Correspondent and Norman St-John Stevas, alleged constitutional "expert" are lapping up the attention.

 

[Miker]

I think that most people who lived through WW2 were saddened by the not unexpected death of the Queen Mother, which to me brought back memories of the bygone era of my parents, living through two WWs and the Depression. Although I doubt whether the latter adversely affected the Queen Mother's way of life.
I can still remember the affection in which George VI and Queen Elizabeth were held during and just after the war. I had just started work at the time of George VI's death and was given the afternoon off to file past the coffin at the "Lying in State". The queue stretched from south side of Lambeth Bridge upto Vauxhall Bridge, across and back to Westminster. I think that I finally got past in the late evening. I'd like to think that it will be the same for the Queen Mother, but I doubt it.
Picking up on Brian, I remember an elderly lady in a B&B in Beechworth, Victoria who still referred to England as the Home Country, although she had not been back for for many years. Again, the older generation.

 

[Guest]

I, too, am of the older generation which looks back fondly on the inspiration and leadership given to us by KG VI and Queen Elizabeth during WW2.

I am sad for the modern generations who seem so cynical about everything that went before them. How glad I was tonight to see Richard Harris blow apart some of their modern thoughts on King Arthur.

HM the Queen Mother was an active patron of many organisations including the RNLI for which all seafarers should be grateful.

 

[Guest]

Must be quick - at work, a journalist, have spent last days completely immersed in this story.

But am struck more than ever before at the idea that the Royal Family do give service to the nation - she never wanted to be Queen but knew it was that or the end of the monarchy - and that the QM will turn out to be, historically, a v. important figure.

Must dash...

"El manana es nuestro, companero..."

 

[Twister_Ken]

I, for one, will be drinking to her memory with a gin and Dubonnet.

Sounds revolting, but if it keeps me going as long as it did her, no complaints.

And from what I've heard over the last couple of days, I'm sure she'd prefer us to take a few glasses and have a sing-song in her honour, than to weep too long and too loud at her passing.

 

[PaulJ]

She was a remarkable lady, she dedicated her long life to a role that she never wanted and did a great deal of good for this country. I mourn her loss just as I would the loss of any other who had given such service. However I think that an era has died with her and I wish the Monarchy would do the same.......
The media have definitely gone OTT in their coverage.

 

[BrianJ]

Gee, I get the feeling that the Monarchy isn't all that popular in UK.
We still cling to traditions here in OZ , but after QE2 goes , I reckon that will be the end and we will go Republic.
BrianJ

 

[Miker]

You could well be right - we might beat you to it. I was surprised that Oz did not vote for a republic last time out. Some of the comments and letters in the press over here have been boorish. Whether one is a monarchist or not, the death of someone's mother and grandmother called for sympathy and the common courtesies.

 

[Miker]

I should have added that the only thing that will stop us becoming a republic is that we will never agree on how we should choose a president. We can't even settle on a sensible method of replacing the House of Lords.

 

[Guest]

>Some of the comments and letters in the press over here have been boorish. Whether one is a monarchist or not, the death of someone's mother and grandmother called for sympathy and the common courtesies.

This is absolutely right, and well said. And, whatever you think of the monarchy, she did give more than 80 years of her life to serving the nation and her sense of duty deserves at least a nod of respect. IMHO, anyway.

"El manana es nuestro, companero..."

 

[peterb]

Much though he would like it, would you like someone like Bliar for president? Not me, for one.

I don't think that politicians make good presidents. I can only think of one president now in office who retains the confidence of his people (Havel of the Czech Republic) and I don't think he got there by politics.

 

[Guest]

We all should be sad at the passing of the Queen Mum.
I am not a royalist far from it, But this lady gave so much by way of giving the people of this country hope and respect in them selves when times were bad. I am not of her generation as I was born after WW2 but my parents who are now dead respected this lady for how she held this country together in our hour of need. Let us not forget that, she was deeply loved and admired by most all people whose path she crossed.
This Country will miss the Queen Mother and the standards she held.
I am sad she has passed away anyhow.
God Bless her.

Bluebeard

 

[VeniVidi]

I am an American (live in NJ and consider myself an NY'er) and I am a little bit surprised to your (Britain in general) reaction to your Monarchy. I understand the feelings behind it, but at this point there are not "lording" over you and it gives you something to proud of and stand up for. I must admit I feel a *little* jealous when there is all that hoopla about it and we have none. With us I guess the pride just goes to the "whole of the American people" and at times we will place either sports, politicians, movie/TV or industry leaders up on a status of "royalty". But to most of us, it is never really the same as the real thing with your Royal Family.....well at least from my point of veiw.

And as far as the Queen Mum and the Royal Family. Didn't they stay in London during the seige in WWII. To me that says a lot and I would be proud of their actions, its too easy these days to forget what sacrifices were done by previous generations. Well as an American I will be proud for you towards your Queen Mum, the Royal Family and that whole generation.

 

[ean_p]

Sound comments......its easy to knock the Firm but what bunch of t***ers would you replace 'em with......

 

[Guest]

Mum and QE2 - Gold fillings in a mouthful of decay

They just don't build em like they used to.

Toneboy ( Our head of state) is waiting in the wings.

 

[Miker]

My point. I think that the monarchy will survive by default.

 

[Guest]

Re: Mum and QE2 - Gold fillings in a mouthful of decay

O M G

 

[Buck]

poor taste

Some of you guys would obviously love to hear people derising your dead grandparents or parents.
The queen mother is dead, she was an old lady, she did her best for her family and in that achieved a lot, she had the unfortunate fate of outliving a child she bore, her family will miss her as will a lot of people who's lives she touched, other than that I know nothing about her.
If someone on here mentioned in their post that they were going to a relatives funeral should I then suggest that they should search the body for valuables and split to proceeds with me? Some of you folks really are sad.

Buck

The thing about men and fish is one is always trying to eat the other.

 

[ponapay]

Well said. The Queen Mother was a truly British stalwart of the best and most honourable kind. How sad it is that those born after WW2 do not seem to value service, loyalty and honour.

Everyone should be compelled to perform a form of national service to help bring some sense and stability back to the youth.

Ian P
ponapay@aol.com