Just a few facts about the Queen:
The Queen is very intelligent and although she has very limited power over the will of the government, she has been known to make observations or 'suggestions', which at times the government follows. She has guided many prime ministers starting with Winston Churchill. They may leave but she alone endures.
I wish I had a photo of the Queen at the time of her coronation. She was every bit as beautiful as Dianna. She was concidered one of the most beautiful women in the world. At one time the Queen was the wealthiest woman in the world. She still could be. That's not money she gets from the government, that's from wise investments. The Royal family does not own Buckingham Palace or the crown jewels, they're owned by the people of Great Britian. The Royal family is one of the largest properties owners in New York City.
As a Canadian and one of the queen's subjects, I pledge allegence to her. Personally I prefer pledging to a person rather than a thing.
As soon as her uncle David abdicated she started being trained for the job as Queen. One her 21st birthday she she pledge her life to serve the people of the empire/commonwealth. During the war the Queen was trained as a mechanic and I have seen old movies of her driving trucks. The entire family did volunteer work during the war.
The Queen Mom was the most loved royal. Her husband was able to serve as king because of the support he received from his wife. During the war the Queen Mom was concidered by Hitler, to be the most dangerous woman in the world. During the blitz, the Queen Mom while touring the damage in London was asked by the press why she was always dressed to the nines. Her answer was to the effect, "when visiting don't you want to look your best?" When Buck House was bombed the Queen Mum said, "Now we can look the East End in the face." The people loved her very much.
During the 50's the empire was changed to the commonwealth which is still the largest organization of its type in the world. Members of the commonwealth include: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, India, South Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other nations
As an institution the Royal family generates more income for Great Britian than they receive. Under the Queen the number of family members receiving allowances from the government has been drastically reduced. Most of them are now paid by the Queen.
Much of the tradtional protocal is dictated to the Queen. And much of the pomp is why so many of us are attracted to the monarchy.
