Category Archives: Columns

A View From a DKM: A Lot Can Happen in Two Years.

Man and the King's horse

Man and the King’s horse created by Bing AI

A man accuse of a crime was sentenced to death by The King. He pleaded for his life and told The King he could teach the king’s horse to talk with in two years if he would be spared. The king agreed; if the man could teach the horse to talk in the next two years, he would be pardoned. Otherwise, the original sentence would be carried out.

The man returned home to his daughter with the horse and told her his story. The daughter asked him why he was so cheerful after making a promise he couldn’t keep. The man said, “A lot can happen in two years. The king could die. I could die, the horse could die, or the horse could learn to talk.”

Distribute by gov.uk for public use

Official Portrait of Charles III Distributed by gov.uk for public use

Since King Charles III ascended the throne, the United Kingdom has experienced a whirlwind of significant events and changes. During his reign, the country has seen three different Prime Ministers, each bringing their own policies and challenges. Similarly, Scotland has witnessed the leadership of three different First Ministers, reflecting the dynamic political landscape. In Northern Ireland, history was made with the appointment of the first nationalist First Minister, marking a significant shift in the region’s political dynamics.

The King has also overseen his first general election, a pivotal moment that shaped the future direction of the nation. He has presided over two state openings of Parliament, ceremonial occasions that underscore the continuity and stability of the monarchy amidst political shifts.

The media landscape has not been immune to change either, with the fall of the BBC’s top news anchor, a development that sent ripples through the broadcasting world.

On a more personal note, both The King and the Princess of Wales faced health challenges, undergoing surgery within days of each other. Their subsequent announcements of cancer diagnoses within weeks of each other brought a deeply human element to their public roles, highlighting their resilience and dedication to their duties despite personal hardships.

These events, among others, illustrate the profound and rapid changes that can occur within a relatively short period. The past two years have been a testament to the enduring strength and adaptability of the monarchy and the nation. Yes, a lot can indeed happen in two years.

A View from a DKM: A Tribute

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At over 96 years old, she had been a steadfast presence on the throne for exactly 70 years and 7 months. Despite her advancing age and declining health, she remained resolute in her commitment to the promise she made at 21: to serve her people for her entire life, whether it be long or short. Her sense of duty was unwavering, and she was determined to fulfill her responsibilities until the very end.

She continued to perform her duties with grace and dignity. She received Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who came to tender his official resignation. Despite being one of the most influential leaders in the world, he had to formally present his resignation to her, underscoring her enduring significance. Following this, she awaited the arrival of the new leader of the Conservative Party, Liz Truss. When Truss arrived, she was invited to form a new government, a role Truss graciously accepted. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in British politics, but also the end of an era. These would be her final public duties, a testament to her lifelong dedication to the role.

Known formally as Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, I, and others, simply call her Elizabeth the Great.

A View from a DKM: God Bless The Queen

“Princess Consort”

That was the anticipated title for Camilla due to the “complexities” surrounding her marriage to Prince Charles. The compromise was to designate her as Duchess of Cornwall instead of Princess of Wales and to refer to her as Princess Consort rather than Queen when Charles became King. This decision was influenced by concerns about her age, public opinion, and potential backlash. Despite this, Camilla’s motivations for marriage were not driven by titles or material gains but rather by love and support for Prince Charles. She acknowledged her limitations in keeping up with his duties and pace due to her age, revealing a genuine commitment to their relationship.

As time passed, Camilla gradually assumed increasing responsibilities within the royal family. She embraced a growing involvement with numerous charities, undertook additional public duties, and expanded her role in serving the public. As she dedicated herself to these endeavors, the public perception towards her began to shift positively. Over time, through her active participation and commitment to various causes and engagements, Camilla earned greater acceptance and respect from the public, solidifying her place within the royal circle.

Following Queen Elizabeth II’s statement on February 6, 2022, in which she expressed her wish for Camilla to be recognized as Queen Consort when her son Charles ascends to the throne, the debate surrounding Camilla’s future title was settled. The Queen’s heartfelt request for public support and acknowledgment of Camilla’s loyal service made it clear that when the time comes for Charles to become King, Camilla would indeed be known as Queen.

Some individuals were displeased when the palace transitioned from using “Queen Consort” to simply “Queen” after the coronation, which is the tradition (for instance, Queen Mary and Queen Alexandra). However, following the news of the King’s cancer treatment, Camilla has notably risen to the occasion, embodying the essence of the monarchy in a manner that surpasses what a Princess Consort could achieve. So, let us conclude with the sentiments: “God save the King and God bless the Queen.”

A View from a DKM: Looking Back One Year

I was home on vacation.  I was relaxing and sleeping in and enjoying not being at work.  However, on Wednesday night I had not slept well.  I woke up on and off all night because I was dreaming about the Queen and her health.  It wasn’t the first time, but it was the most vivid. Unable to sleep I grabbed my phone and looked at my messages and email.  There it was, Susan and Scott talking about the announcement regarding HM The Queen’s health.

“The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.”

It was this generations “The King’s life is moving peacefully to its close” used for her grandfather, King George V, over 87 years before hand.

I got out of bed and turned-on BBC World to watch the news.  All the coverage was about the announcement and it early enough that nobody had changed clothes yet.  I texted a friend to give her the news.  I grabbed my laptop and checked a couple of online but “hidden” sources I knew about.  The news there wasn’t good.  I continued to watch BBC as I did a few things around the house, took care of the dogs, and ate a little.  I kept an eye on Unofficial Royalty to make sure it didn’t go down and messaged friends about the situation.  I watched the crowds gather and the talking heads on TV talk.  On my phone I would rotate between the UK Telegraph and the Times of London.  It still didn’t seem real.  I was watching history.  Then I saw it.

The helicopter over Buckingham Palace showed the flag at half-staff.  Just as it was registering in my mind what that meant, Huw Edwards announced The Queen had passed then read the official announcement:

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

It hit me a lot harder than I thought it would.  It was 12:30 my time and quite honestly the rest of the day was a blur.  I watched BBC into the night; it would be my pattern over the next few days as I came to grip with what was going on.

A year later and I’m not sure I have fully come to grips with it yet.  Rest-in-Peace Your Majesty, you certainly earned it.

A View from a DKM: The Coronation

I have been waiting since 1981 for a coronation and since that time I have gotten up early to watch every royal event. I have watched videos of A Queen is Crowned and news reel footage of the coronation of George VI. Needless to say, I was extremely excited about watching the coronation this past Saturday. I got up extra early to watch all the processions and the ceremony and here are my thoughts.

Things experts got wrong:
1. Charles did not wear a military uniform but wore traditional tunics. (He did wear trousers and not britches)
2. Harry was not in the 10th row; he was in the third, which was the first row of nonworking royals.
3. Lady Louise was on the balcony.

Things I did not like:
1. Most peers were not in coronation robes and did not have coronets. That was one of my favorite parts of previous coronations. They could have at least let the peers who were part of the ceremony wear their coronets since they were in coronation robes.
2. The removal of the homage except for the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Prince of Wales.
3. The Queen not holding the consort’s scepter and rod.

Surprising emotional moment for me: After the anointing screens were removed and we see the King kneeling in trousers and white shirt as the bishops prayed over him.

Rock Star of the Coronation: The Lord President of the Council (Penny Mordaunt)

Moment that lived up to all the hype: The actual crowning of the King.

Random Thoughts:
• Louis and Charlotte were every bit a little prince and princess.
• One of the girls in the choir reminded me of a young Lindsay Lohan.
• There were moments when both the King and Queen looked their age.
• No moment brought me to tears, but after the Prince of Wales kissed the King’s cheek, I might have come close.
• The royal salute and three cheers for the King and Queen by the troops was impressive.
• They did an excellent job of making the balcony look full.
• The Queen’s crown looked so big to me.
• God willing, I will live to see one more coronation.
• God save the King!

The Laird o’ Thistle (Special Edition) – A Scottish Dedication

© Unofficial Royalty 2023

St. Giles’ Cathedral; Credit – By Carlos Delgado – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35465527

As we prepare this week for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, I cannot help but take a quick look ahead to another upcoming event. It has been announced by Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf that there will be a special “service of dedication and thanksgiving” held at Edinburgh’s High Kirk (St. Giles Cathedral) later this year, which will include the ceremonial presentation to the King of the Honours of Scotland – Scotland’s historic Crown, Scepter, and Sword of State dating to the 16th century. The Stone of Scone, sans the Westminster Coronation Chair, will also be featured after having been repatriated from its brief journey down to London for the ceremonies on 6 May. I am guessing that the service will take place during the annual Scotland Week at the beginning of July when the King and Queen take up residence at Holyrood Palace at the foot of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

Queen Elizabeth II returning the crown of the Honours of Scotland to the care of the Duke of Hamilton, in St. Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh, during the Scottish National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication in 1953

This summer’s service will be modeled on the service of Thanksgiving  Service held for the late Queen Elizabeth II during her post-Coronation visit in 1953. As with the Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen’s life held in Edinburgh in last September, the dedication service will be under the direction of Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) leaders and traditional Scottish royal officers (the Lord Lyon, etc.). It will doubtless include other Christian and Interfaith leaders. The preliminary plan is for the Honours to be escorted on their short journey down the hill from Edinburgh Castle by a “People’s Procession” of about one hundred representatives chosen from around the country.

It is key to note, for all concerned, that this Scottish ceremony will not be a SECOND Coronation. The Honours themselves were last used in a Coronation in 1651, interestingly enough for the crowning of King Charles II at Scone. (Cromwell and his English Parliamentarian forces chased the young King off to Europe shortly thereafter.) King Charles III will neither wear nor bear the Honours. He will merely receive them. He will not be re-anointed, but he and Camilla will be blessed. If the model of 1953 is followed, Charles and Camilla will wear formal day dress, not formal robes and regalia.

I admit that I have rather mixed feelings about the Coronation on 6 May. The late Queen’s 1953 Coronation took place in a still-imperial context, though the Empire was already transitioning into the Commonwealth. The House of Lords was actually still the House of LORDS back then. The established Church of England involved a far greater proportion of the English people at the time. (And, the Moderator of the Kirk was at least accorded a brief walk-on role, to present a Bible to H.M.) Even so, the 1953 pageantry seemed rather archaic… and that was 70 years ago.
Since World War II, the United Kingdom has been the only European monarchy that has continued to anoint and crown its sovereigns. The last non-British coronation in Europe was for the young King Michael of Romania in 1940. Other European monarchies now use simpler ceremonies of enthronement and blessing, at most. The upcoming Scottish service will be more in that mode.

Back in September, I commented to various friends that the Thanksgiving Service for the Queen’s life in Edinburgh was “the “real funeral” as far as I was concerned. The formal State Funeral in London was historically interesting; but, for me, it was the Edinburgh service that best combined simple dignity with sincere heartfelt affection in honoring Her Majesty. I have a suspicion that may prove similarly true in a few weeks when King Charles and Queen Camilla come again to the High Kirk. The old Kings of Scots were ne’er sae pompous and grand as those down in England, and traditionally – whether they liked it, or not – they were closer to their people. After many years of observing him, I suspect that is rather more what King Charles ultimately wants for the future of the Crown, and I hope he succeeds in bringing it to pass. I wish the King and Queen well.

Yours Aye,
Ken Cuthbertson – the Laird o’ Thistle

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

The Laird o’ Thistle (Special Edition) – Remembering the Platinum Queen

Queen Elizabeth II, official photo for the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne; Credit – The Royal Family Facebook page

by The Laird o’ Thistle (Special Edition)
© Unofficial Royalty 2023

3 February 2023

This coming Monday, 6 February 2023, will mark the one-year anniversary of the Platinum Jubilee of her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II… “of happy memory” as the saying goes. And, in this case, for this writer, the memory is happy.

On the day itself, last year, readers may recall, Her Majesty was in residence at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, but on the afternoon of 5 February, she came over to the “Big House” for a special tea party with representatives of local organizations. There was cake, and the Queen moved (carefully) among the tables, leaning on her stick and greeting her guests. The hostess, who was also the guest of honor, was bright and cheery that day.

I will admit to having been greatly relieved at the time. The Queen’s evident weight loss and increasing frailty over the preceding months had been evident for all to see. Like many, I think, I had wondered if HM would in fact live to see the milestone anniversary. That she did make it, not just to 6 February but to 8 September, is in many ways remarkable, and in so doing she left us many wonderful memories of her final months.

In the closing pages of his most recent book (December 2022), ELIZABETH: AN INTIMATE PORTRAIT, broadcaster and author Gyles Brandreth reports what I would term the rather “authoritative” rumor that circulated among those likely to be “in the know” after HM’s death that she had been suffering from multiple myeloma, a cancer of the white blood cells that lodges in the bones, and which can cause pain in the spine, fatigue, weight loss, and “mobility problems” in the legs. It is a not uncommon condition among the very elderly. Brandreth notes that this form of cancer would explain much of what was observed over the Queen’s final months. It might also help to explain HM’s never-explained overnight hospital stay in the autumn of 2021, “for tests.” While the symptoms may be treated, and life may be extended for some time, the cancer itself is not currently curable.

If the report is correct, then Queen Elizabeth moved through the last months of her life with the awareness that it was drawing to its close, and she did so determinedly carrying on as best she could, in regular good cheer, no less. Her deep Christian faith, which Brandreth refers to repeatedly, was undoubtedly a major factor in this. But, as I recall The Princess Royal attesting in a 2012 interview, the Queen’s essential realism and pragmatism must also be taken into account. “Keep calm, and carry on…” as the old, and recently over-used, saying goes.

And so in that light, we remember… the February 5 tea party, and HM’s surprise statement of support the next day for Camilla becoming Queen Consort; her determined presence – controversially on Prince Andrew’s arm – at the memorial service for Prince Philip at the end of March; the electric buggy she rode in, and the vivid pink coat she wore, at the Chelsea Flower Show in May, seeming to thoroughly enjoy herself; her balcony appearance with her cousin The Duke of Kent, and then the working Royal Family, at the end of the Jubilee Trooping the Colour, including her amusement at Prince Louis’s antics; the very brief appearance to ignite the first Jubilee Beacon; her amazing comedy sketch with Paddington Bear, and the surprised smiles on the faces of Prince George and Princess Charlotte when she appeared; her final appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony (over 95 years after her first) with her three direct heirs, two of their spouses, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, as she beamed with delight and wonder at the vast crowd; the delight she again showed in late June during her few in-person events during “Scotland Week” in Edinburgh; and, lastly, her now-more-poignant final public engagement in July, accompanying Princess Anne to the new Thames Valley Hospice, visiting with various patients and their families. (They didn’t know the irony then, but we do now.)

There has been speculation that the Queen considered it likely (and, maybe even hoped) that she would pass from this life at her deeply beloved Balmoral, and so she did on a dreich (dark and rainy) early autumn afternoon, with her eldest son and her daughter at her side, just days after entertaining her much-beloved niece Sarah Chatto, her Bowes-Lyon kin, the Moderator of the Kirk (who found her lively and engaged) for the weekend, and then two Prime Ministers… outbound and inbound… on the same day. Sadly, though, she’d missed the Braemar Gathering on the previous Saturday, for one of the few times ever. Whatever else, she truly lived and loved life right up to the end, and then she was gone….

As 2022 drew to an end, I did my own personal sort of year-in-review. I noted five significant deaths in my life for the year, four being family and dear friends, and the fifth being Queen Elizabeth II. Even though I never laid eyes on her in person, I have been grieving for her, and still am. As so many have said, she’d just always been there, for our whole lives.

An important part of my ongoing reflection on her life and passing has been reading two wonderful books. The first is Gyles Brandreth’s book, already mentioned, which I received for Christmas. It is a wonderful, personal, telling of her life through both research and direct personal experience over many years, plus the reminiscences of close friends and family. There are many delightfully funny stories, along with much affection and, I think, a good honest assessment of the Queen as a person… not a personality.

The second is Robert Hardman’s 2019 book, QUEEN OF THE WORLD, which covers HM’s international role over the course of her reign, particularly her role in building and maintaining the Commonwealth as it transitioned from the original eight countries to now fifty-six member states, with fifteen of them still retaining Charles III as Head of State. This was a re-read for me, but with an especially important reminder of Queen Elizabeth’s very “hands (discreetly) on” role in working with Commonwealth leaders to bring about the transition of both Rhodesia/Zimbabwe and South Africa from white rule to black-majority rule. The Princess who in 1947 made her 21st birthday pledge from South Africa stayed constant in her love and support for that land and its people across the decades, and… fascinatingly… formed a particularly strong and enduring friendship with Nelson Mandela. He was one of the very few people outside of her own family to call her simply by her given name, “Elizabeth.” At a luncheon during one of his London visits, he warmly hailed her as “this gracious lady” and she replied referring to him as “this wonderful man.” It is an amazing tale to read anew.

That said, the time has come that we need to look onward to the coronation of King Charles III on May 6, 2023. It will be interesting to see how things unfold. I’ve not heard it really remarked on thus far, but I find it highly significant that Charles III will be crowned with the “new” St. Edward’s Crown made for the English coronation of Charles II in 1661. (Charles II had previously been crowned King of Scots at Scone in 1651, only to be forced into exile by Oliver Cromwell soon thereafter.)

Beyond that, in truth, I am finding myself more “interested” than “fascinated” by most things in the new reign thus far. I am deeply impressed with the new Queen Consort’s “down to earth” approach to her role. I am pleased with the ongoing roles of Princess Anne and Prince Edward in the new reign, along with the Duke of Gloucester. I do hope that the King will in due course carry through with his parents’ intention to create Prince Edward as Duke of Edinburgh… possibly as a lifetime appointment rather than hereditary according to some media reports. And, as we move toward May, I wish King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla all the best, along with Prince William, Catherine, and their family. God bless them, each and all!

Yours aye,
Ken Cuthbertson – The Laird o’ Thistle

P.S. – A friend asked recently where I got my “Laird o’ Thistle” moniker. That is simple enough. My earliest known paternal ancestor was, in fact, a “bonnet laird” (i.e. a small freeholder) in Ayrshire, Scotland but that’s just part of the equation. When I started writing this column back in March 2004 [sic!] we had recently moved from a house we had called The Thistlecot. We loved that house very much, and so it inspired the name.

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.

1. “My Heart’s in the Highlands” / 2. The New Royal Family

by The Laird o’ Thistle (Special Edition)
© Unofficial Royalty 2022

As the two things I want to write about today do not lend themselves being combined into a single column, for this one time I am doing a double feature….

1. “My Heart’s in the Highlands”
My heart’s in the Highlands, my heart is not here;
My heart’s in the Highlands a-chasing the deer;
A-chasing the wild-deer, and following the roe,
My heart’s in the Highlands wherever I go.

— Robert Burns, 1789

I said to a friend yesterday that it feels like a dear aunt has passed, the aunt of the whole world.

In the midst of great sadness, I am taking some comfort in the fact that Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully yesterday at Balmoral, reportedly her favorite place on earth. She passed from this life in the place she loved best with her two eldest children in attendance. (Reports indicate that Prince William, the Wessexes, and Prince Andrew arrived shortly after her passing.) I am even taking a bit of bemused pride in the fact that by dying in Scotland, she died a Presbyterian… for the Sovereign is a member of the Kirk when in Scotland.

Balmoral has been a place of respite and refuge for two great queens, Victoria and Elizabeth. Queen Elizabeth has loved it from childhood when she and her parents, her sister, and (often) her cousin Margaret Rhodes would spend summer holidays at adjoining Birkhall. After her father became king the scene shifted to the castle itself, and three years into the reign the young princesses remained at Balmoral for the first three months of World War II before finally rejoining their parents “down south” in December 1939. In the postwar years Balmoral was the site of happy times for the King and his family, and of both courtship and honeymoon for Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. A number of heartwarming photos remind us King George’s final summer at Balmoral with the entire family… including grandchildren Charles and Anne. (See: https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/transition-the-final-months-of-king-george-vi-and-accession-of-queen-elizabeth-ii/ ) And, now, we will forever treasure the final image of Queen Elizabeth there, taken just two days before her death, a photo of the tiny and frail, but warmly smiling 96-year-old, tartan clad and leaning on her stick, standing by a roaring fire in the castle’s drawing room as she awaited the arrival of her 15th Prime Minister.

I am thankful that before being whisked off to England, the Queen’s body reposes today in the ballroom at Balmoral, where she loved dancing reels at the annual Ghillies Ball. I am also thankful that in a couple of days her coffin will be taken first to Edinburgh, to Holyrood, for due honours in her Scottish capital and palace where, in 1999, she reconvened the first Scottish Parliament since 1707. But as she departs Balmoral for the very last time, no doubt to the plaintive sound of the bagpipe, I hope someone there will quietly whisper in her behalf:

Farewell to the mountains, high-cover’d with snow,
Farewell to the straths and green valleys below;
Farewell to the forests and wild-hanging woods,
Farewell to the torrents and loud-pouring floods.
…My heart’s in the Highlands wherever I go.

2. The New Royal Family

I am sure that many will have shared my experience of startle-ment yesterday, upon hearing the words “His Majesty the King” spoken for the first time in my lifetime. The era of King Charles III and Queen Camilla has begun.

Over the last several years, while remaining firmly in charge, Queen Elizabeth took great care in preparing the way for this moment. She successfully won the agreement of the leaders of the Commonwealth that Charles should succeed her as its Head. In February she made it very clear that she wanted Camilla to be known as Queen Consort when the time came, and then she personally appointed and invested Camilla as a Lady of the Garter. For very practical, but also deeply symbolic, reasons she designated Charles as her representative to preside at the most recent State Opening of Parliament in May. Similarly, it was Charles who “took the salute” for her at the Trooping the Colour in June. And now he is King.

In a moment, yesterday afternoon, everything changed… not just for Charles and Camilla, but for many. William has… just this evening… been created Prince of Wales by the King. William and Catherine are now the Prince and Princess of Wales, Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge, and… in Scotland… Duke and Duchess of Rothesay. William is now the Great Steward of Scotland and Lord of the Isles, as well. Their children are now Princes George and Louis, and Princess Charlotte of Wales. Harry’s children are now… if their parents so choose… Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.

I deeply hope that King Charles will also fulfill his parents’ longstanding intention and deeply-held wish, and quickly move to create Prince Edward as Duke of Edinburgh. (Albeit, it may be the appropriate time to transition the Royal Dukedoms into lifetime appointments, rather than them being hereditary.)

King Charles has talked for years of transitioning to a “slimmed down” monarchy, with fewer working royals. Over the last several years it has sort of created itself, in large part through the disgrace of Prince Andrew and the departure of Prince Harry to America. I expect that the increasingly frail Duke of Kent (soon to be 87) and his sister Princess Alexandra (soon to be 86) will probably take the new King’s accession as their opportunity to retire from active service. The Duke of Gloucester (age 78) may continue to assist for a while, or he too may decide it is time to step back.

The big question in my mind concerns the ongoing roles of the Princess Royal and of Prince Edward and Sophie (either as Duke/Duchess of Edinburgh, or continuing as Earl/Countess of Wessex). Over the course of the pandemic, and following the departures of both Andrew and Harry from royal duties, they have become invaluable working members of the royal team. I have already heard rumours that Anne may choose to “retire” at some not-too-distant point. (Though, I hope not too soon!) On the other hand, Edward is “only” 58 and, having been forced out of his earlier career attempts largely by Charles, he and Sophie have worked hard for years now “in support of” the Queen, and the Crown.

As I see it, the practical reality for the next several years will be that there is more to be done than Charles and Camilla, and William and Catherine, can do. It is at least twelve years, and probably longer, before Prince George will assume any significant role. (He just turned age 9.) Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis may (or may not) both follow in turn. But, just as happened for Princes William and Harry, the family may also want to give the rising generation a bit more time… until around age 30 or so… before asking them to assume a full load of duty.

Finally, as odd as it seems to say this on his first day as King, I find myself hoping that Charles will at least consider adopting the model of other European royal houses and retiring (i.e. abdicating) at some point down the road. He has, today, pledge himself to “lifelong” service. But, sometimes such service is best offered by stepping back at the right moment.

King Charles will turn 74 in November. As much as I have loved and admired the Queen throughout my 66+ years of life, and have understood her ingrained sense of the “job-for-life” tradition, I have personally wished over the last couple of years that she would have followed Prince Philip’s lead in stepping back, for her own sake as well as for those coming after. She sort of did so, in a very careful and limited way. But as recently as this Tuesday she was still at work, possibly overextending herself in the end. King Charles will have to choose his own way, but I hope he at least holds the retirement option open.

And so, for today and days ahead… “God save the King! God bless the Prince of Wales! And, God bless all of the new Royal Family!”

Yours aye,
Ken Cuthbertson – the Laird o’ Thistle

Elizabeth: The Firstborn Windsor

by The Laird o’ Thistle (Special Edition)
© Unofficial Royalty 2022

Queen Elizabeth II, official photo for the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne; Credit – The Royal Family Facebook page

I hope that many who read this were able to see the BBC’s The Unseen Queen on May 29, 2022 or subsequently online. I found it an amazing and moving record of Her Majesty’s life, mostly based on the family’s own home movies, with narration mostly from written and recorded comments by Her Majesty, including some reflections recorded as recently as the last month. I found some of the earliest clips of the Queen with her grandparents, George V and Queen Mary, and with her uncles, the Dukes of Windsor and Kent, particularly fascinating.

It occurred to me some time ago that Elizabeth II is now the last living person who can be said to have known several members of the royal family (and some other historical figures as well). First and foremost on that list is King George V, the founder of the House of Windsor, who died in January 1936, about three months before Elizabeth’s 10th birthday.

Elizabeth knew the old King and was a great favorite of his. As a tiny child, not yet 3 years old, Princess Elizabeth was brought to Bognor (Regis) in early 1929 to keep the King and Queen Mary company as George recuperated from surgery and a nearly fatal bout of septicemia. Accounts say that the princess and the King would chat away… as best she could at that age… while she played in the sand. Later accounts by Marion Crawford, Elizabeth and Margaret’s governess, tell of the King’s expressed desire that she learn to write in “a decent hand.” Various photos show young Princess Elizabeth riding to church with her grandparents at Crathie Kirk (Balmoral), and the two princesses participating in King George’s Silver Jubilee events in 1935, including the procession, thanksgiving service, and balcony appearance. I have mentioned previously here that there is also newsreel footage of Princess Elizabeth and her parents following the old king’s coffin into St. George’s Chapel on the day of his funeral… a clip not included in The Unseen Queen. (See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgJJbq8FvvQ, look at the 9:30 minute mark.) Elizabeth was the youngest royal attendee, and the only one now living.

A well-known story tells that George V… given his testy relationship with his eldest son and heir… bluntly attested his hope at the end of his life that “nothing come between Bertie (George VI), Elizabeth, and the throne.” He saw in her the future. Providence, in due course, granted his wish.

In point of fact, Queen Elizabeth II is the actual firstborn member of the House of Windsor, the first member of the royal family born with the Windsor surname. (Her two elder cousins, the sons of her aunt, Princess Mary, were Lascelles, not Windsors. All of the other elder family members had their surname changed to Windsor in 1917.) That seems both a simple happenstance and incredibly significant.

As well as George V, the Queen is also the only living member of the current royal family who can remember several others, such as her grandfather’s sisters Princess Victoria (d. 1935), and Queen Maud of Norway (d. 1938). [She might, or might not, remember Princess Louise, Duchess of Fife, who died in January 1931.] There are several other senior royals, who died in the first half of the 1940s, that HM remembers along with her cousins Prince Edward (the Duke of Kent, b. 1935) and his sister Princess Alexandra (b. 1936). First and foremost of these is the Kents’ father, Prince George, who was killed in 1942 on active duty in WWII. The others are the last three surviving children of Queen Victoria: Princess Louise (Duchess of Argyll, d. December 1939); Prince Arthur (Duke of Connaught, d. 1942); and Princess Beatrice (widow of Prince Henry of Battenberg, d. 1944.)

In her comments in The Unseen Queen, HM notes that “looking back” is a way of also looking toward the future. It’s a matter of perspective. This week Britain, the Commonwealth, and the world celebrate the unprecedented Platinum Jubilee of the little princess who waved so enthusiastically from carriage and balcony at the 1935 Silver Jubilee, and who grew up around those to whom Queen Victoria was “Grandmama” and even “Mama”, and so on. She’s also the 96-year-old “Gan-gan” of little ones who will remember her as she remembers those others, especially Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis… the family future. The firstborn Windsor will be standing in a unique spot on Thursday as she (hopefully) appears on the balcony at Buckingham Palace with the currently “working” family and the Cambridge children. She will be standing as much at a point in time, as in a physical place. She will be looking “onward” as well as outward. Hopefully someday in the future… God and the British People willing… Prince George will himself stand there in turn, thinking back to a June day in 2022 with his Gan-gan, and also ahead into a then still unfolding future. That, I think, is clearly what HM is hoping.

Yours Aye,
Ken Cuthbertson – the Laird o’ Thistle
May 30, 2022

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Charles Alongside

by The Laird o’Thistle (Special Edition)
© Unofficial Royalty 2022

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I believe that this is the first time that I have been asked by the staff of Unofficial Royalty to address a particular topic, and not a small one at that. On Tuesday, 10 May 2022, Prince Charles presided at the State Opening of the new session of the U.K. Parliament in the Queen’s behalf. It was announced the previous day that the Queen, upon the advice of her doctors, had “reluctantly decided not to attend” the State Opening due to the “episodic mobility problems” that have limited her activities since early last autumn. In an unprecedented, but entirely legitimate and appropriate move, she issued “Letters Patent” designating Prince Charles and Prince William as “Counsellors of State” to act in her behalf, with Prince Charles taking the lead. Charles and William did so on Tuesday, also accompanied by Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

All of this was done under provisions of the 1937 Regency Act, which was adopted following the Accession of George VI as a contingency for what would happen if he were to die before Princess Elizabeth came of age. (The Act was subsequently updated in 1946 and 1953; and the need for further revisions is currently being discussed. See note.) The pertinent section invoked for Tuesday’s State Opening reads as follows:

[Section 6] Power to delegate royal functions to Counsellors of State.
(1) In the event of illness not amounting to such infirmity of mind or body as is mentioned in section two of this Act, or of absence or intended absence from the United Kingdom, the Sovereign may, in order to prevent delay or difficulty in the despatch of public business, by Letters Patent under the Great Seal, delegate, for the period of that illness or absence, to Counsellors of State such of the royal functions as may be specified in the Letters Patent, and may in like manner revoke or vary any such delegation.
(https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Edw8and1Geo6/1/16/section/6)

With two Counsellors of State being required, at least implicitly and by precedent, Prince William was called upon to accompany his father in this instance. Though some are questioning whether, in the Queen’s absence, it was actually a “State Opening” (versus simply an “Opening”), I would argue that it was… precisely due to H.M.’s invoking of the provisions of Section 6. This was further reinforced by the symbolic inclusion of the Imperial State Crown in the ceremony… placed on a small table on the very spot where H.M.’s throne usually stands.

So much for the facts of what occurred, and why. The question raised anew by it all concerns the degree to which we are seeing the emergence of a sort of “dual monarchy” in which Prince Charles and Camilla become the “public face” of the Crown, while the Queen… still the Sovereign… retreats more and more from public view. This, I think, is increasingly the case, with Prince Charles and Camilla being assisted by Prince William and Katherine, the Princess Royal, and Prince Edward and Sophie. (Although still officially active, the Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, and Princess Alexandra, are increasingly stepping back and “aging out” of their longtime service as “working” royals.) The question behind the question is whether this de facto situation may… sooner or later… shift to an official (de jure) designation.

My layperson’s read of the Regency Act is that it does not provide for the possibility of a co-Regency shared by the Queen and Prince Charles. Nor would the plural wording allow Prince Charles to be solely designated as Counsellor of State without a second Counsellor. Either would, I think, require a revision by Parliament of the legislation.

The focus then shifts to the Queen, and what she is willing to do? By all accounts she has, always and still, totally ruled out the idea of abdication. (One wonders if the future Charles III may hold a different attitude when his turn comes.) By all accounts the Queen is still fully compos mentis (i.e., sound of mind, memory, and understanding), and thus able to do the “desk job” of monarchy, as it were. The issues at hand are her great age, and her apparent physical disability to attend public events going forward.

She’s now at the age where Prince Philip chose to withdraw from public duties. There was talk in the press at the time that she might eventually follow suit. But, as recently as her statement released for the 70th anniversary of her Accession, it is clear that she takes her 1947 pledge that “my whole life, whether it be long or short, will be devoted to your service” VERY seriously. Her Coronation Oath, likewise. The thing that I wonder about, however, is whether she may be at, or near, the point at which that service needs to become vicarious? When does she reach the point at which her devotion to service itself requires her to step further back, if not away?

As in most families, this is probably not something that her family feel they can broach with their mother/grandmother, at least not yet. At some point her U.K. and Commonwealth governments may feel the need to raise the question. The U.K. press has begun making some noises on the topic in recent months. My own gut is telling me that once we get beyond the official Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June, something may significantly shift over the summer. Whether and how that involves some sort of more official and permanent “viceregal” role for Prince Charles will emerge.

All that being said, the one thing that I am absolutely confident about is that Queen Elizabeth II will continue to do her conscientious best in her stewardship of the Crown and her service to the peoples of the U.K. and the Commonwealth to her life’s end, in whatever form that takes. That is her never-wavering sacred trust.

Yours aye,
Ken Cuthbertson, the Laird o’ Thistle

This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.