Long Live The Queen
 

Queen Elizabeth II has died, Buckingham Palace announces

https://variety.com/wp-content/uploa...1&h=383&crop=1

R.I.P.

Her fellow Brits seem to have a fond feelings for the only Monarch they have known.

Indeed, she has seen many of them come and go.

Long Live The Queen
 

RIP. That said, I do not understand the American fascination with the British Royal Family. We fought a war to be rid of them and I dare say most Americans could not name any (or more than a couple) of the other 11 European monarchs.

When I lived in Europe, the exiled king of Italy was a nearby neighbor, though I confess I don't remember his name. What's Italian for Henry? :)

Long Live The Queen
 

Umberto II was the last king of Italy and served for only a month after Victor Emmanuel III abdicated in 1946. The English equivalent is Humbert. He died in 1983.

Him being deposed ushered in a fractious democracy which ushers in a new Prime Minister about as often as I change my underwear. They have had 69 governments since WWII, averaging about one per year.

Henry, Humbert - humbug! ;)

“It has always been easy to hate and destroy. To build and to cherish is much more difficult.” ~Queen Elizabeth II

Showing class, dignity and poise rarely seen in American politics in my mind but I can't speak for others. The monarchy while not ruling the country does play a leadership role. Now it's up to "King Chuck the Third" to assume the mantle. The rulers of the kingdom we split from are long gone and we've been on friendly terms for the most part since then.

I am an unalloyed fan of the British Isles, it people, its history and its influence upon Western democratic ideals, science and the arts. I still remain baffled, however, to the point of amusement with our obsession with the Royals.

It remains to be seen if the star of royalty dims under King Chuck. Queen Elizabeth was somehow able to remain above the fray during the various scandals in recent decades from the Charles/Camilla affair, Diana's untimely death, Meghan Markle, etc. Dignity and poise aren't words that come to mind with Chuck. Doofus does, however.;)