Saying A Heartfelt Goodbye To Her Majesty

Last week Americans exhibited true emotions when it had been announced that Queen Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary) had passed. The Queen was born on April 21, 1926 and held the official title as Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth Realms since February 6, 1952 until her passing on August 8.

During her reign she had served as Queen Regnant over 32 sovereign states during her lifetime and 15 at the time of her passing.

That reign of almost 71 years would be the longest of any British Monarch, as well as any female head of state in history. Her husband, Prince Phillip the Duke of Edinburgh, had predeceased her in 2021 and many close to the Royals would comment on the void it had left with the Queen. They had been married over seven decades.

The relationship which America has shared with the people of the United Kingdom, and especially with Queen Elizabeth II, was one of a special bond. I’m sure others who are more eloquent than I will better explain it. However, the United States and its citizens have never shared a closer friendship or ally during our 237 years since England recognized the United States independence in 1785.

Our shared history can be easily found in the fabric of our two great nations’ governing documents, its language and legal system, as well as ancestral lines. From the birth of the “Great American Democratic Experiment” in 1776, which began as a matter of conflict but would build into the greatest bond between two governing nations and its citizens when codified in the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

We have had our differences, but our mutual respect for each other and the great intellect of men such as Ben Franklin, John Adams and John Jay would demonstrate the depth of men who would lead this great nation forward during its formative years. They would provide a foundation for exceptionalism and leadership as we would stand shoulder to shoulder with our great ally on the other side of the Atlantic. An unshakeable bond which would prove so valuable during the many decades and challenges which would lay ahead.

Political figures would come and go over the 96 years since Elizabeth II would draw her first breath and before she would assume her position on the world stage in 1952. However, her presence and its sense of stability, calm, perspective as well as her quick wit would be a welcomed addition. The fact she spoke five languages and was a very intelligent individual, sometimes providing her with an advantage over those underestimating her capabilities.

One of the quotes which may best represent her philosophy on life can be found here. “When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.” That quotation may have well found it origins from her observations during World War II and the continuous bombings which the British citizens endured, during those long nightly raids on London and other cities within Britain as the Nazis attempted to crush the spirits of stoic British citizens and bring them to their knees. Their courage and bravery during those times were witnessed firsthand by the Royal Family as they would walk amongst the valiant and courageous families to bolster their spirits and bring hope into their hearts.

I’ve personally spent a great deal of time in London on business trips, but never had the opportunity to view any of the royal family during those visits. However, here on Marco I have had the privilege to meet and establish a wonderful friendship with a member of the prestigious Grenadier Guards. That regiment is known as the 1st Regiment of Foot Guards. The regiment carries out various protective duties for the Royal Family as well as other ceremonial duties and other operational roles as called upon.

I’ve held long conversations with Tony Smith, who today is a local resident I’ve known now for over 36 years. Smith earned the rank of Sergeant within the Grenadier Guards, and as such has had “privilege” to be assigned to protective duty deployments during his service in the British military.

Smith has often described to me the honor it was to be in the presence of that special family. “These are the finest individuals I’ve ever had the honor to be with. The Queen herself as well as Prince Phillip were the most down to earth people you could have ever been around. The humility and kindness they demonstrated to all around them was extraordinary,” said Smith when describing his interactions with the family.

“It is so unfortunate that there is a certain faction that thinks they have a responsibility to twist and paint negative pictures of the true reflection of these wonderful individuals. Charles himself is a very personable and caring individual. Although we’ve known this day was coming, I am not embarrassed to say I was choked up on hearing of her passing. She will always have a special place in my heart,” said Smith.

He is not alone, for hundreds of millions of citizens around the world, especially in Great Britain and America, mourn the loss of a great world leader. She demonstrated the wonderful qualities of compassion, love, leadership and the qualities of life which the British and American citizens carry in their hearts.