HRH Queen Elizabeth ll

With my Dad,  a flight engineer on the Liberators in WW2, and at one stage part of the Royal Air force, it was probably natural that I grew up with an immense love and respect for the Royal Family.

A while ago I did a portrait of Her Royal Highness for a competition. I did it in shades of pink, to depict her as I see her, the ultimate English Rose. Last year, in her centennial year, I sent her a letter with a photo of her portrait. I received a kind letter of gratitude in return, signed by one of her ladies in waiting.

Obviously with all of the programs on her and the other royals that featured recently as a tribute to her coronation, I could not help myself but watch each and everyone. Again, I was reminded of a remarkable woman, who found balance in being truly royal, but still compassionate, with a beautiful sense of humour. She managed to steer and re-invent the monarchy through 60 years of change, keeping perfect balance between tradition and the need to conform.

I have realized how the media (specifically photos) tend to portray her as emotionless and stern, where-as if one looks at video footage of the same events, one realizes how much she laughs. According to her grandchildren, she actually finds it extremely funny when things go wrong. The love and respect she has from her children, grandchildren and even parliamentarians are obvious.

Her positive influence on the economy, and as a matter of fact that of the whole royal family is astounding. She is the major catalyst for foreign trade and the income the UK generates through tourism is enormous. The income from tourism  exceeds the automotive manufacturing industry five times and  support almost as many jobs as the financial sector. The annual income from the palaces through tourism pay for their upkeep. With the Centennial celebrations being privately funded, one can be assured of the enormous boost to the UK economy. And so is every event where the royals are concerned. Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding generated an estimate of 50mil pounds. Though taxpayer money was used for security, with the 1,1million tourists, as well as broadcasting sold to 140 countries, the total boost was estimated at 2 bil pounds. Economists reckon  that the birth of their baby will give a 243 mil pounds push to the economy.

Though cynics and critics will always be part of humanity, the success of the British Royal Family is an example to so many countries, this is clear looking at the attention they receive globally as well as the fact there are factions in other countries that are actually considering re-instating their monarchs.

This bond between monarch and people was started with the Queen’s Grandfather George V, continued with great success by her father GeorgeVl, but it is undeniable that HRH Queen Elizabeth ll, has had an immense impact, not only on Great Britain, but also globally.

As for me, I would be an extremely happy woman if one day, I too can curtsey this remarkable woman. God save the Queen.