What did the Queen mean to you?

LoveCurryPies · Post by **LoveCurryPies** » Fri Sep 09, 2022 11:54 pm

Did you ever meet the Queen?

Inchy · Post by **Inchy** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 5:43 am

No.

If I’m being honest she meant very little to me. I have never met her, and the notion of a Royal family seems utterly bizarre to me. Over the past few years I’ve got increasing more annoyed with the Royal family. Specifically her going to the government cap in hand to do up Buckingham Palace, despite the crown estate taking in millions, and during a time when the country is skint. Also Andrews hush money.

That said in general she’s been a force for good over her reign. She’s not perfect but she’s done a sterling job.

GavlarClaret · Post by **GavlarClaret** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 6:57 am

She meant nothing to me and neither do any of the Royal Family.... I'm always told they do a lot for us and I am supposed to be upset about this, but I actually don't see why.

I certainly don't hate them - I just don't see the point, the world is a different place to what it was in the past.

What has she/the royals done that have positively impacted my life? (No stirring or looking for aggro here, genuinely interested!)

TonbridgeClaret · Post by **TonbridgeClaret** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 7:13 am

I'm the same, she meant nothing to me. She was obviously a wonderful person who gave a lifetime of service, but the royal family is no longer necessary.
Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses, living in castles and palaces, it's the 21st century for goodness sake.

RVclaret · Post by **RVclaret** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 7:22 am

TonbridgeClaret wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 10, 2022 7:13 am
I'm the same, she meant nothing to me. She was obviously a wonderful person who gave a lifetime of service, but the royal family is no longer necessary.
Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses, living in castles and palaces, it's the 21st century for goodness sake.

Agree get them out on’t street and working down’t carpet mills they need to be shown the bloody real world

Hipper · Post by **Hipper** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 7:22 am

The answer to the question is 'nothing'.

However, I should point out that, rightly or wrongly because of their status amongst many people, they seem to be able to get things done that others can't. For example, Diana and AIDS, or land mines. It's the way it is.

Pearcey · Post by **Pearcey** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 7:32 am

She was my boss and I met her a few times. I was in charge of the Visiting Aircraft Section at RAF Marham and she used to fly in regularly on her way to Sandringham. I remember her crew handing us 2 leftover cheeseboards from her flight, it was delightful! I’m glad I served my 26 years under her reign.

jedi_master · Post by **jedi_master** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 7:39 am

Personally, not lots - I’ve never been a Royalist per se, but at the same time have always found our monarchy interesting from a historical perspective and enjoyed visiting their Estates etc when open.

My Dad was a Grenadier Guard so obviously stood outside Buckingham Palace etc, so that has always been something I was really proud of and he absolutely will have been sad at the news. I think military backgrounds have a different outlook on them as they have it drilled into them etc. Fun fact, he played football with a young Prince Edward inside Windsor Castle whilst stationed there.

claret2018 · Post by **claret2018** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 7:56 am

Nothing to me personally either. But she was probably the most famous person on the planet so the level of news coverage etc isn’t surprising.

timshorts · Post by **timshorts** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 7:56 am

I met most of those that were around between 1973 and 1977, but not the Queen, who was always whisked away pretty swiftly, presumably for security reasons (this was at a time when the ira were blowing people up.
Prince Charles was always very pleasant and came across as somebody trying hard to do his best. We also liked Anne (was at her first wedding). Prince and Princess Michael of Kent who appeared sociable and to work very hard as patrons of all sorts.
Andrew and Edward were a bit full of themselves, but then Edward wasn't much older than we were at the time. A friend met lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones on a plane from Luxembourg and ended up staying the night with them. Must have been about 11 or 12.

The one we really thought unpleasant was the Queen mother. But then anybody that I've since subsequently come across that had had dealings with the woman is on the same page with that one.

Billy Balfour · Post by **Billy Balfour** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:01 am

I would rather have a good, hard-working constitutional monarch than a President Johnson, Blair, Farage or Corbyn. And while you might think that a couple of those I've named wouldn't possibly have been elected as a president of the UK - never underestimate the electorate.

To me, the Queen was a well respected, hard-working constitutional monarch. Don't forget, her power was mostly ceremonial, unlike a president.

timshorts · Post by **timshorts** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:05 am

I met somebody that had served as an equerry to the household some years back (more like a few decades). He told me a story about a day that he was on duty in the grounds of the palace. There was a rule that some footmen that were on duty outside the door had to go through some drilling process, playing with their gun, saluting, stamping their feet type thing if a royal walked past them. The young Margaret and Elizabeth decided to hide in some bushes and then run backwards and forwards a few times, so that these guards had to keep going through these motions. To be fair, it probably gave them something to do. Apparently, they were giggling and saluting themselves etc each time they ran past.
It only ended when their mother came out and gave them a mouthful.

Nori1958 · Post by **Nori1958** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:09 am

LoveCurryPies wrote: ↑
Fri Sep 09, 2022 11:54 pm
Did you ever meet the Queen?

Twice, but only spoke to her once

timshorts · Post by **timshorts** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:10 am

Billy Balfour wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:01 am
I would rather have a good, hard-working constitutional monarch than a President Johnson, Blair, Farage or Corbyn. And while you might think that a couple of those I've named wouldn't possibly have been elected as a president of the UK - never underestimate the electorate.

Wholly agree with this, though I think that you meant overestimate. In hindsight president Blair would have been the best of that bunch, which says a lot.
We'd no doubt be given a choice of two, neither of which would be remotely suitable, but one of them would win having been supporteded hard by the mainstream media - rather like the last election.

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:13 am

A constant, a reassuring constant

And has been said already, a constitutional monarch who is great at it (ie The Queen) is better than having an elected President, especially when elected officials appear to be both incompetent and unworthy of the office they hold

I'm hoping that Johnson was the nadir of that, and we see a much better standards from his successor

fatboy47 · Post by **fatboy47** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:23 am

Probably as much as I meant to her.

Tricky Trevor · Post by **Tricky Trevor** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:24 am

Seen her, never met her. I’m with Billy Balfour above I would rather have a constitutional monarch as a figure head for the country than a president/PM. You only need to look around the globe to see what a disaster that can be. For those that complain about their expense they generate far more income for Britain than they cost, in tourism alone.

I have a school friend who posted the following on FB. The lucky man.

: 8523B4F4-6CCC-48F2-B49D-2108A76566F8.jpeg (463.25 KiB) Viewed 3784 times

tiger76 · Post by **tiger76** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:36 am

On ma personal level she meant nothing to me, but I've just always known her as the head of state, and by and large she did a pretty good job during her 70 year reign, and she was respected throughout the world, which sadly isn't something which can said of most of our elected officials.

It does feel strange to already be referring to the Queen in the past tense, but Charlie has wisely quickly moved to secure the line of succession by making William and Kate Prince and Princess of Wales.

I'm certainly not an avowed royalist, and at best I'm ambivalent towards them most of the time, plus they don't always help their public image with some high profile gaffes, however I've yet to see a coherent argument as to a better alternative, and if we're to carry out constitutional reform the unelected House of Lords is where I'd start way before the royal family, who let's not forget contribute hugely towards the UK economy, mawkish as it sounds this funeral will generate worldwide interest, and might persuade Americans in particular to consider visiting the UK in future.

They say a week is a long time in politics, well that's certainly been true of this tumultuous few days in British public life, a new PM appointed followed days later by a new monarch, so this week will definitely be amongst the most dramatic in our long history.

Billy Balfour · Post by **Billy Balfour** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:45 am

tiger76 wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:36 am
They say a week is a long time in politics, well that's certainly been true of this tumultuous few days in British public life, a new PM appointed followed days later by a new monarch, so this week will definitely be amongst the most dramatic in our long history.

Aye, this week, we've seen two prime ministers and two monarchs.

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:46 am

She was Queen of the world.

The relevance of England as a country has gotten a lot smaller now.

tiger76 · Post by **tiger76** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:47 am

Billy Balfour wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:45 am
Aye, this week, we've seen two prime ministers and two monarchs.

Yep the makers of The Crown will have their work cut out to match all this drama that's for sure.

claptrappers_union · Post by **claptrappers_union** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:01 am

I appreciate what the Queen did. I think it’s good to have an apolitical head to state that holds the government to account. A figurehead for the country, representing the nation at all levels… the Queen is hard to top though. But I believe she should be Queen Elizabeth the Last.

We can still have a monarchy, to some degree but I think it needs rebooting. King Charles doesn’t need to live in lavish mansions and wear crowns and jewellery for official occasions, and they should step away from the religious bits too. The monarchy should become more accessible and ditch the silly protocols.

We should open places like Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle completely for tourists and use them to educate and celebrate the country’s heritage.

This week and shown how stupid it all is in my option, it’s easy to get mixed up in the hysteria of it all. Cancelling events for logistical reasons and the day of the state funeral is understandable… but I’m more than happy to carry on as usual…

… and I think that answers the question. She didn’t mean a lot to me. I appreciate what she has done for the country, but the nation should have more say in how the monarchy operates. Now is a good time to switch it up.

gandhisflipflop · Post by **gandhisflipflop** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:03 am

To me she allowed us to celebrate everything British and feel a sense of national pride in an era where this is becoming more and more frowned upon and politicised.

RVclaret · Post by **RVclaret** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:04 am

gandhisflipflop wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:03 am
To me she allowed us to celebrate everything British and feel a sense of national pride in an era where this is becoming more and more frowned upon and politicised.

Well said

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:08 am

Very important to me. Without the monarchy and the tradition, pomp and ceremony that comes with it, we drift off into obscurity. We have an global identity that has been forged for over a thousand years by us being reigned over by a monarchy. I believe it is something to be proud of.

Been lucky enough to have travelled all over the world and the one subject that was always part of the discussions with the locals was how lucky we are to have the British monarchy. The Americans in particular love the idea of it. “Oh my god, I love Britain and the royal family! It’s great that you have such a history and tradition like that!” Of course that’s when I pointed out they had their own history and tradition but they threw it away when they banished it to the res. I digress….

In 1988 I joined the armed forces, took the Queens shilling and swore allegiance to HM the Queen, her heirs and successors and I meant it. I mean it still. Proud to have done so and remain proud of my full career service. I’m proud of the Queens service to the nation too. She made us a promise and she kept it. She hasn’t lived her own life, she’s lived a life of duty and service - sure it may well have been made easier for her because of her life being subsidised, but I’d argue we’ve had VFM from her. If anyone can’t/won’t see that, it would be a waste of mine and everybody else’s time trying to explain it here.
Because something is old it doesn’t mean it can no longer be relevant so many good doors still open when they get involved… they can and do make good things happen.

I think even the most fervent republicans can see now exactly how universally loved and respected the British monarchy is with the messages of condolence flooding in.

To me, she meant pride, honour and dignity.

YMMV, and that’s fair enough.

evensteadiereddie · Post by **evensteadiereddie** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:11 am

gandhisflipflop wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:03 am
To me she allowed us to celebrate everything British and feel a sense of national pride in an era where this is becoming more and more frowned upon and politicised.

An interesting statement.
By whom exactly?

Boss Hogg · Post by **Boss Hogg** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:22 am

Seems to be more about themself than the queen.

Boss Hogg · Post by **Boss Hogg** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:23 am

Tricky Trevor wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:24 am
Seen her, never met her. I’m with Billy Balfour above I would rather have a constitutional monarch as a figure head for the country than a president/PM. You only need to look around the globe to see what a disaster that can be. For those that complain about their expense they generate far more income for Britain than they cost, in tourism alone.

I have a school friend who posted the following on FB. The lucky man.
8523B4F4-6CCC-48F2-B49D-2108A76566F8.jpeg

bfcjg · Post by **bfcjg** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:25 am

On a personal level not a vast amount, she was there to represent Britain which she did very well with humility and dignity, as a decent human being I am sure some prime ministers reigned in their more stupid ideas knowing they didn't want to be the first PM to either cause a constitutional crisis or risk the monarch going public saying she cannot approve policy x.

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:25 am

evensteadiereddie wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:11 am
An interesting statement.
By whom exactly?

Huge "You can get arrested for being English these days" vibes

Can I just say something

No one has a bad word to say about the Queen who has met her, and that includes people of all faiths and all colours

Nothing is more British than that I feel

Boss Hogg · Post by **Boss Hogg** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:29 am

Has no impact or relevance to my life or many others. Always sad when someone dies and there was no doubt she was committed to what she did. I’m not sure of the Royal Family’s relevance in these times when they appear in Hello magazines jetting here there and everywhere whilst people can’t afford to heat their homes and will die this winter.

Duffer_ · Post by **Duffer_** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:30 am

I used to be against the idea of hereditary privilege but I now welcome the prospect of someone like Andrew becoming head of state since I've seen the messages of condolence flooding in.

Boss Hogg · Post by **Boss Hogg** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:30 am

Having said that I like this history behind it and the buildings and we are extremely good at all the ceremonial stuff and I will watch the funeral

evensteadiereddie · Post by **evensteadiereddie** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:33 am

Indeed, Lancaster, and those posters who feel no affinity towards the Queen don't appear to me to be frowning upon so- called Britishness.
Similarly, those who question the actions and motives of the current government are doing so out of a genuine concern for this country and its people.
It is somewhat ironic that the champions of free speech and patriotism are the first to attack any dissenting voices.

Steddyman · Post by **Steddyman** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:36 am

I've never met her, but my wife has twice. Perhaps all the people who don't value the Royal Family, should look at at the worldwide constant news coverage and ask themselves why it is getting that coverage?

The answer is the queens constant work for the past 70 years visiting far flung places. The Royal Family in modern Britain is all about tourism. Other countries buy into the fairytale and romance that a monarch represents. It is a big part of why the americas love the UK so much as a holiday destination. Charles will be a good king, but the world has lost a lady with an amazing spirit for life.

Also, can you think of anyone else dying in this world that would have got heartfelt messages from both Trump and Putin in these times?

gandhisflipflop · Post by **gandhisflipflop** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:42 am

evensteadiereddie wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:11 am
An interesting statement.
By whom exactly?

I have already served a 24 hour ban. I refuse to engage with you further.

evensteadiereddie · Post by **evensteadiereddie** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:52 am

Good decision.
Just a thought, if you can't back up an irrelevant, inflammatory and politically-based comment on such a sensitive thread as this, it's probably best not to post it.
Think on.

Firthy · Post by **Firthy** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:35 am

Like many others have said I didn't know her personally and she meant nothing to me personally. I was born the same month that she was crowned so a coronation baby as they called us. She is the only head of this country that I have ever known, a constant and always there. The queen made me feel proud to be British and her passing has reminded me of my own mortality now that she's no longer with us.

I have met and spoke with Princess Anne who is a lovely lady so can imagine a little what was the queen was like. King Charles speech yesterday was immense IMO and he couldn't have spoke or come across any better and I'm sure will continue her legacy and the country will continue to be as proud of him as they were of her.

Big Vinny K · Post by **Big Vinny K** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:40 am

She opened the offices where I worked in Manchester. It was a special day for all those involved for sure and she was in great form as was the D of E that day.

The 2012 Olympics was one of the best things to happen in this country for decades and she played a big part in the events and I think her support really mattered.

Other than that she has not meant much to me personally but I can certainly recognise what she did for so many people and for this country.

It’s difficult to relate to her position of privilege of course and the institution of the monarchy does not sit with me particularly well - but then again as we have seen in this country with many of the democratically elected leaders and governments that is far from perfect too !! And then you look at someone like Donald Trump over the pond and you think how much better that country would have been with someone like The Queen above him.

King Charles has probably had more relevance to my life and my community. He’s done loads for Burnley. Much of it never hitting the media.
Duke or Edinburgh also has left a massive legacy in the Duke of Edinburgh awards which has been and still is a fantastic initiative. My own daughter completed all of the awards up to getting her gold and being presented this by Prince Edward. Tens of Thousands of teenagers have done the same thing and it’s a brilliant experience for them.

So as I get older I can put aside any of the views I have as a socialist republican (!!) and appreciate that The Queen and The Royal Family have done a lot of positive things for the country during my lifetime.

Swizzlestick · Post by **Swizzlestick** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:45 am

As the son of an Irishman, I’m not going to pretend I’m a Royalist in any way, shape or form, but I respect what she did for the country. I will echo Big Vinny’s comments about the now King Charles III who I have a lot of time for and has done a lot for Burnley, certainly more than some of those who claim to have.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:47 am

Classy Vinny.

A lesson for all there, in how to disagree with something, but still conduct yourself respectfully.

Well done sir.

gandhisflipflop · Post by **gandhisflipflop** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:48 am

evensteadiereddie wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:52 am
Good decision.
Just a thought, if you can't back up an irrelevant, inflammatory and politically-based comment on such a sensitive thread as this, it's probably best not to post it.
Think on.

I can, but I’m not wasting any more of my energy on you. I was responding to the OP of what the queen meant to me, if you don’t like what you read, move on and think on.

CoolClaret · Post by **CoolClaret** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:53 am

Good question - To me she was an ever present in a ever changing world - somewhat of a connection to yester years.

Being a northern lad with Irish heritage, the affinity and admiration to the Queen was never really instilled in me as a nipper (which I’m glad of) and the whole concept of having to be sub servaient to someone born into ‘Royalty’ never really made much sense to me - especially now in the modern day.

I understand and respect the reach that the royal family/Queen has not only in the UK but world wide and also that they permeate the sort of archetype of what it means to be British - I can certainly see the merits and plaudits in that.

Maybe we as a people just long to be subservient to someone anointed at the top of the social hierarchy but I think it’s time to do away with it…

Certainly didn’t hamper our perennial rivals over the
English Channel

May she rest in peace

evensteadiereddie · Post by **evensteadiereddie** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:55 am

Lame, gandhi, just try and keep your politics out of threads like these and you'll be fine.

Big Vinny K · Post by **Big Vinny K** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:57 am

bobinho wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 10, 2022 10:47 am
Classy Vinny.

A lesson for all there, in how to disagree with something, but still conduct yourself respectfully.

Well done sir.

Thank you.
As you get older you realise that getting angry about everything that you disagree with is just too exhausting !!
Far better to maximise the joy you get out of the things you agree with and enjoy - like family, football etc (I very nearly put them in the wrong order then !)

FCBurnley · Post by **FCBurnley** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 11:00 am

What will Queen Camilla mean to you ?

evensteadiereddie · Post by **evensteadiereddie** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 11:02 am

Not much other than she'll support the new King. They'll probably make a good team.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 11:14 am

FCBurnley wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 10, 2022 11:00 am
What will Queen Camilla mean to you ?

Who is Queen Camilla?

Don’t recall one from history…

Oh, you must mean Queen Consort Camilla….

Dunno yet, we’ll have to see how she gets on and supports the King. I suspect she will do a good job so perhaps the nation will remember her fondly when she’s no longer around.

Vino blanco · Post by **Vino blanco** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 12:57 pm

I met the queen at the Lazienki Palace in Warsaw, Poland, during her State Visit to the country not long after the wall came down in Berlin and Eastern Europe was opening up. My company was one of the first British companies to make a major investment in Poland. She was extremely well informed about investment possibilities in the East and she was confident Britain could be successful in doing business there. I found her completely charming, knowledgeable and it was without doubt the proudest moment of my life.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Sat Sep 10, 2022 1:03 pm

She was the Head of state,a fine dedicated woman,she will be missed by millions of people who have grown old with her, one thing about the Royals they get things done,the transition from Queen to King was seamless, against the Shambles of finding a new Prime Minister taking over a month and leaving the country rudderless during that time,when do we get our say on that one ...12 months?