I have watched today on TV, A Jubilee Tribute to the Queen, by the Prince of Wales. It was utterly charming. The Prince of Wales endearingly commentated on private and public cine films. I could have been looking at my sister B's cine films, but obviously not of the Royal family. Absolutely charming. I've been on at B for years for her to convert the cine films to DVD before they perish, I am newly charged and must push for her to get them swapped over, or dig them out for me and I'll arrange it.
So I watched The Prince of Wales' personal tribute to his mother. Prince Charles was so down to earth and normal, his comments could have been from any family member, other than, "my Aunt," was followed by; "Princess Margaret," or his "Uncle," Lord Mountbatten.
Prince Charles, with glassy eyes, states that this is the first time that he has seen "Ma'ma" fish, (on film obviously.) Obviously a distant memory that was reawakened, and with that memory, the Prince of Wales reawakens one of my distant memories. My Brother-in-law George, who, because of the age difference and due to the fact that he was a part of my family before I even arrived, was the closest thing I had to a Dad growing up. I remembered going fishing with him on the banks of the Dee. I didn't fish you understand, I sat, and observed from a large rock, in silence. I was like a golf caddie if you will, except all that I carried was the odd fish that jumped into my coat pocket without my knowledge. It was wonderful though. Totally safe, peaceful but for the ripple of the Dee, and I cherish every minute I can remember.
The Duke of Edinburgh, judging by the private footage, seemed like a really fun Dad by the way. Her Majesty, just like any normal and fun loving Mum, she was a Mum before she became Queen and watching this, I realise how much I've taken the Queen for granted. Queen Elizabeth was well into her reign by the time I was born, she is a constant and has always been there. Like anyone who serves in the services, she has given her life for her country and I have a newly found respect for her. Her Majesty is actually quite amazing, I'm not sure when we will ever see the like again, certainly not within my lifetime.
The documentary touches on losing Lord Mountbatten and the great void it left in the life of Her Majesty. I remember the events but not the service, the footage shown was sombre and moving, must have been so difficult.
Happier memories and footage of Prince Charles's Grandfather arm in arm with Her Majesty. Christmas Day 1951, everyone enjoying Christmas together and looking so happy, just like any other family in the world. A few months later, he would be gone and the Princess's duty would begin.
The footage moves to East Africa, 1952 and Treetops. The Princess and her husband Philip were on a tour of the Commonwealth when she received news that her Father had died in his sleep. Overnight, Princess Elizabeth had become Queen. Her new life had begun.
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