Note: My mother bought me the Coronation Coloring Book in 1953. She was a Britophile her entire life, loving the royals, our Morris Minor car (a mechanical disaster) and her subscription to Punch Magazine. Perhaps history tells me why my mother, of 100% German ancestry, was enamored with all things English. My mother’s life spanned both World Wars and she may have wanted to be on the side of the good guys.
Last Tuesday, a picture rocketed around the world of Queen Elizabeth receiving Liz Truss as the new Conservative Prime Minister. Her majesty was, as always, an impeccable presence. Her signature large hat, coordinated outfit, tasteful jewelry, non-changing hairstyle and large rectangular purse…all were in place.
Last Thursday, the Queen was dead, and the shock waves were felt around the planet. Reflecting on her life and legacy, I immediately thought of an odd thing, a Montessori classroom.
Dr. Maria Montessori worked with the poorest of the poor children from Italy’s teeming slums. She believed these young people needed to escape the chaos of their daily lives and have an ordered place in which to learn, a place where things weren’t in constant flux. In her classrooms, the red rods, pink towers, sandpaper letters, maps and bead boards all lived in their own cabinets with similar equipment. Even the objects’ locations on the shelves never varied. Everything was unfailingly dependable. The children felt safe and secure. Maria’s method has flourished for over 116 years.
Queen Elizabeth II gave the British public the same comfort as those classrooms. She always showed up and was calm, ordered and above the fray. She was the antithesis of a drama queen. Her subjects were united by her courage and devotion.
For me, the most poignant part of Tuesday’s picture was the purse over her arm. The Queen was in her own summer home, Balmoral Castle. No practical need for a large pocketbook existed. But there was a strong symbolic reason for the handbag: it maintained her reassuring image.
In an age where change comes with whirlwind speed and “get” is more valued than “give”, the Queen remained constant to the words she spoke on the day of her 21st birthday. “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service.”
She kept her promise.
Yes, the Brits have a very particular mein; Stiff upper lip!
Keep Calm and Carry On. Got them through two World Wars…and everything since.
I agree!
oh, my! i don’t remember the coloring book, but i do remember the coronation.
in my little WI hometown, i remember a pleasant day in the neighborhood where i lived.
a woman (nicknamed Tootsie) said to her young daughter: “now Mary, be a good girl,
or I won’t take you to the coronatione.” Mary was about 5 years younger than I, &
perhaps didn’t quite get the joke. But I was 10 or 11, & I found it quite amusing.
whoops–coronation
That is a good story!
Wow – wish I’d had that coloring book!!