Queen Elizabeth II Part 3

[darius]

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/republic-of-ireland/queen-brings-the-house-down-mary-byrne-riverdance-and-westlife-raise-the-roof-16002425.html


Another link to prove that nobody does it better!  Her Majesty has done more in 4 days to solve the Irish problem than centuries of politicians.  What a star!!  Long may she reign.

[Lucien]

HM concluded her State Visit today:

http://www.ppe-agency.com/show.php?zoektype=2&search=20-05-2011%20Ireland

courtesy PPE

[Emperor of the Dominions]

Hi,

No, not an emerald anywhere to be seen!
I was quite disappointed that she looked so "washed out" in only diamonds.  I liked the dress and the shamrocks;  but thought that the Vladimir Tiara with the emerald drops and the Cambridge emerald necklace would be more appropriate (and colourful) on this occasion.

Oh well, what do I know about fashion??!!!!......

Larry

The Queen always dresses with consideration to where she is going. Red during her state visit to Canada, emerald green in Ireland for example.  Clearly everything the Queen was wearing at the state banquet was of symbolic importance. As previously mentioned, she wore the Girls of Great Britian and Ireland tiara; a tiara given to Queen Mary by Lady's celebrating Ireland as well as the rest of the UK.  The harp brooch I haven't seen before, I imagine it may have come up from the vaults and perhaps made for Queen Victoria, Alexandra or Mary for a previous state visit, prior to independence. Her diamond necklace looked almost Georgian and I wonder what the symbolism is there. 

As for the Queen's evening gown, it has already been mentioned that is was adorned with shamrocks, the colour although criticised by some may also provide some further symbolism. White has been used as a colour for mourning. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Consort famously wore a complete wardrobe of white whilst on a state visit to France in the 1930's following the death of one of her parents. It could therefore communicate a genuine sadness regarding the troubles and the death of her Uncle Dicky, whilst being appropriate for the banquet.  She has of course worn emerald green during the visit and during a walkabout can be spotted wearing a cambridge emerald brooch, so they did make an appearance during the visit.

I'm sure the Queen realised the historic nature of her speech at Dublin Castle. The content will mean that it serves as a landmark speech in the cause for peace and reconciliation and will no doubt be reviewed from time to time. When it is, she will be shown as wearing all diamonds in the approach to celebrating her Diamond Jubilee as the longest serving British monarch since the Queen Empress Victoria. For the Queen this visit must rank as one of, or the most successful and symbolic of her reign.

The widespread acclaim of the Queen's usual flawless attention to detail and duty will I'm sure boost her ratings, and ensure republican calls are further muted. Who else could bring such weight and authority to such a 'line drawing' than the British Crown in person? Value for money there I think!

R.I.

[Kalafrana]

Emperor

I agree with all you say. The visit has been a roaring success, thanks in no small measure to the Queen's personal diplomacy and attention to detail.

On we go to the Diamond Jubilee!

Ann

[Grace]

I agree completely also.  If this visit doesn't prove to certain people that there is a place for the monarchy in the 21st century then nothing will.  Of course, political understanding, tact and skill also relies on the individual royal but no politician could have achieved what Her Majesty has with this visit in my view.

Will we see the Gold State Coach in use next year for the Diamond Jubilee (those two words excite me so much!), do you think?

[Emperor of the Dominions]

I agree completely also.  If this visit doesn't prove to certain people that there is a place for the monarchy in the 21st century then nothing will.  Of course, political understanding, tact and skill also relies on the individual royal but no politician could have achieved what Her Majesty has with this visit in my view.

Will we see the Gold State Coach in use next year for the Diamond Jubilee (those two words excite me so much!), do you think?

Indeed The Queen's ability to transcend politics and see the longer view is perhaps where the prospect of a President looks shabby and tainted by comparison. However it is precisely because this issue has been perhaps one of the most politically charged of her reign has she carried it through flawlessly, her consummate performance carried it with a measured dignity; one might almost venture that the Queen has entered a new phase of her reign.

In regard to the Golden State Coach, I have no doubt that it will again be used next year for the Diamond Jubilee as it was in 2002 and 1977 and Jubilee's before, to transport the Monarch to a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral. Another mark of tradition and consistency, providing an anchor in such turbulent times.


R.I.

[Kalafrana]

I think the Gold State Coach will come out again for the Diamond Jubilee, though it is a somewhat impractical means of transport, as it only goes at walking pace, and requires eight horses and 13 men to crew it (4 postillions, a man on foot at the head of each horse and another at the rear to actr as brakeman). For the Golden Jubilee Thanksgiving Service, the Queen travelled out in the coach, but returned in the new Bentley given to her by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Ann

[Alexander1917]

to-day (the birthday of QV) HM will receive the state-visit of the US president - he will stay at BP

[Kalafrana]

How many people of 85 and almost 90 are as busy as the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh?

Ann

[Lucien]

Both HM and the President had great speeches!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13518279

 

[CHRISinUSA]

Perhaps, although having watched the president speak, I was left wishing that his protocol officers would had reviewed his speech ahead of time.  Perhaps somebody might have informed his speech writer that the words  "Her Majesty The Queen" is supposed to be the END of the toast. 

Upon hearing those words, the obviously well-trained palace orchestra promptly struck up God Save the Queen - yet the President just kept talking for another few sentences - and ended up talking OVER the anthem.  Bad form Mr. President.

[Douglas]

Perhaps, although having watched the president speak, I was left wishing that his protocol officers would had reviewed his speech ahead of time.  Perhaps somebody might have informed his speech writer that the words  "Her Majesty The Queen" is supposed to be the END of the toast.  

Upon hearing those words, the obviously well-trained palace orchestra promptly struck up God Save the Queen - yet the President just kept talking for another few sentences - and ended up talking OVER the anthem.  Bad form Mr. President.

Obama is totally clueless.  He stood up and spoke "Her Majesty The Queen"...all stood.  The band played the UK Anthem as is proper.  The ignorant President then began his Toast speech with the anthem playing as "his background music".  The audience was stunned.  Her Majesty had a look of horror on her face as did Camilla and Prince Phillip.   While the UK anthem, God Save The Queen, was still playing he turned to the Queen with his raised wine glass.  She looked and ignored him.  He then sheepishly put his glass down and stood with an annoyed pout on his face.  When the music ended he again turned to the Queen with his  raised glass.  The Queen graciously smiled and the President merely put down his glass without a sip.

Obama has no respect for national anthems.  He often does not even salute his own US anthem.  I agree with Chris....bad form to put it mildly.

[CHRISinUSA]

As an American, I admit I have often been somewhat embarrassed by my leaders' flubs and missteps in matters of protocol and diplomacy.  And Douglas, sadly this is not limited to President Obama.  Virtually all American politicians / leaders are lacking in their practice of basic rules of protocol.  Their sphere is so focused on political jockeying and the next election, they are often unable to speak (or act) without it coming across like a campaign event.  And that becomes painfully clear when they participate in diplomatic or statesmanship activities, and even more painfully clear when compared to the impeccably flawless statesmanship exercised by the British royal court.

I watched the video carefully, and while there was no mistaking the royals were surprised by what was transpiring, to their great credit they all masked their reactions extremely well.  Her Majesty in particular reacted perfectly - she ignored interaction with the president during the anthem itself, but the moment it was over she smiled and resumed being the consummate hostess that she has always been.  The president, as you rightly pointed out Douglas, did appear annoyed and flustered and it made him look even worse.

Perhaps the US Protocol Office should insist all new presidents and their families go through protocol boot camp before they are allowed to attend a state banquet with the British royals.  ~:)

[Eddie_uk]

You can hear the Queen replying "That's very kind" when the President finished his speech. Some people said the orchestra made the mistake but that seems unlikely.

[Douglas]

Thanks Eddie and Chris for your input.

here is the video......the Toast begins at around the 4 min mark,

http://youtu.be/YG7VSt0_VcU

You can also hear the Queen say something to the Pres.  when he first turns with his glass to the Queen..."Put it down".

I would like to know at what point the Anthem is supposed to be played?   Is it after the Pres. asks all to stand  [do they then have a pause for the Anthem?] and then the formal Toast?  Or is it after the Toast?  You always stand for any Anthem, so it appears that the President should have waited for the Anthem to start & finish.  To me it appears the Pres. was in error,  not the bandmaster.

 I don't like to make statements not knowing the exact protocol for the Toast and the playing of the UK Anthem. Could someone please post the exact protocol or what the protocol should be.