The Queen Has Died

Photo courtesy of Mark de Jong - Unsplashed

We all knew it was inevitable. Even royalty is not immune to God’s design for our lives. We learned this lesson first-hand living in England in 1997, waking up to the stunning news that Princess Diana had been killed. We joined thousands of others in front of Kensington Palace, feeling the loss though we were only recent transplants to the Motherland.

During our short three-year stay, we immersed ourselves in the culture and people of the U.K. We learned to appreciate narrow village lanes and backing up to allow lorries to pass. Our children donned plasters, participated in playgroups, and attended infant and junior schools. We celebrated Guy Fawkes Day, Coronation Day, and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, where we stood for hours in anticipation of the procession and the opportunity to see and wave to Her Majesty. It was magical. We spent Boxing Day with the village Vicar and his wife, feasting on roast and yorkshire pudding, with a leisurely walk through the fields, and completing our day enjoying a bowl of spotted dick, which the kids still think is hilarious.

I became a tea connoisseur, righteously judging those who attempt to serve an afternoon tea blend in the morning, or vice versa. We toured many castles and reveled in the history and the royal family. When our time sadly came to an end, we returned to the states with a house full of English antiques, teapots, Dorling Kindersley books, Spode, Portmeirion, and our favorite souvenir, our newest daughter, Britain Amanda-Rose. When my husband asks what kind of car I’d like next, I always reply, “a Range Rover, just like the Queen’s!” (And he always chuckles.)

We loved our time in England. And we love all things British.

Though we mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth and all the good and lovely she represents, we are also reminded that we, too, are royalty. We are royal heirs, right along with the Queen of England. We are, according to 1 Peter 2.9 “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession…” As is Queen Elizabeth, we are joint heirs with Christ.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth was elegant and eloquent. She displayed the fruit of the Spirit in her life as she went about her royal duties, and one can surmise she carried them into her personal life, as well. She was a remarkable soul who leaves a legacy worthy of her country and her Savior. May she be received into eternity as Jesus bids her, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” And may we all carry on with the same hope.

Now off to find my marmalade sandwich.

Britain, our smashing souvenir