I admit, last week was a rough one for me.

[Siwsan]

I've made many trips to the UK. One was for the Queen's Silver Jubilee. I stood less than 2 feet from her, at one point. Got to sing to her while she was on the balcony at Buckingham Palace. Twice. Ok, I was in a big crowd so she unfortunately couldn't have picked out my lovely Welsh singing voice.

Also, the monarchy was one of the few things my mom and I could always discuss in a civil manner. She spent the last week of her pregnancy with me watching Queen Elizabeth's Coronation. Maybe that predisposed me. Then I found out that one of my ancestors just might have been instrumental in putting Henry VII on the throne. Sorry Yorkists.

But I digress. Mom and I didn't agree on much of anything except for a love of our family and a fascination for British history and the monarchy. Politics or social issues - even religion - often resulted in not so kind exchanges. Sometimes we'd go for weeks without talking. Sometimes it was a royal event that triggered renewed contact.

So, this week I will not just be missing and thinking of Queen Elizabeth and her grieving family. I'll be thinking of my mom.

[jimfields33]

1. I'm sorry to hear this.

I am so glad you still have your cherished memories with your mom discussing the queen and various events. The fact that you were able to see her so close up and sing to her is a really nice treasure. Your mom and queen are now talking to each other looking down upon you, proud as could be. I hope you have a wonderful day

[Siwsan]

2. Aww. Thanks. That's a nice thing to envision

[SheltieLover]

3. ...

[asiliveandbreathe]

4. In appreciation of Siwsan - my mom would tell the stories of the Royals..

Gave us an appreciation of English history..all through rose colored glasses..as I look back..it was with such sadness, her passing..thus, for the Royal family, there is no escape, at this time. They weep just like the rest of us.. be well siwsan, you are much needed..

[Polly Hennessey]

5. I love your love of your mom and the monarchy.

I have profound respect for both Elizabeth’s. Strong, capable women with daunting jobs.

[Polly Hennessey]

6. There is a new Netflix movie about the discovery of

King Richard III gravesite. It’s getting good reviews. Thought you might like.


“In 2012, having been lost for over 500 years, the remains of King Richard III were discovered beneath a carpark in Leicester. The search had been orchestrated by an amateur historian, Philippa Langley, whose unrelenting research had been met with incomprehension by her friends and family and with scepticism by experts and academics. THE LOST KING is the life-affirming true story of a woman who refused to be ignored and who took on the country's most eminent historians, forcing them to think again about one of the most controversial kings in England's history.”

I might add that Richard is perhaps the most intriguing of the English kings. You might also enjoy Josephine Tey’s book, The Daughter of Time. Another take on Richard.

[Siwsan]

7. I wish I had Netflix, but I followed that news story in real time

The recreation of his face was amazing.

And I admit I was all the more fascinated because of the family lore about that particular ancestor. But without him, we might never have had the glorious reign of Elizabeth I.

Side story: There's someone of notoriety buried under the PARKING LOT at Saint Giles Cathedral, where some of the services for the Queen will be held.

John Knox was the founder of the Presbyterian Church. He requested to be buried within 20 feet of the cathedral. Unfortunately, that is now a parking lot. He is beneath space number 23. They think that's pretty close to his grave. There is a plaque to mark the spot. He really HATED the thought of female monarchs, calling them 'unnatural' as rulers.