Silver, gold, and what’s next? Platinum. We’ve never had a Platinum Royal Jubilee, and almost certainly we’ll never have another one. Not even Queen Victoria who reigned for 63 years made it to Platinum, the honour reserved, if not invented for, Queen Elizabeth II.
Spanning seven decades, the longevity of her Majesty’s rule is remarkable. “Long live our noble Queen†is a prayer answered, as is the first line of the National Anthem, “God save our gracious Queenâ€. These petitions brought us a glowing example of 70 years of consistency, sacrifice, service and stalwart adherence to duty. Based in Christian conviction such qualities are fitting reminders of the faith of a Monarch who recognises the King of Kings. These enduring qualities scintillate like the solid jewels on the royal crown. And they will outlast every earthly monarch or monarchy, for that matter. Kingdoms come and kingdoms go but God’s Rule endures forever.
The Jubilee celebrations arrive at a difficult time. A welcome break on the motorway of national life. Covid storm clouds have barely dissipated as other troubles loom on the horizon. The cost of living and inflation are soaring, deep woke-based cultural intolerance is reaching a new high, Brexit wounds have been reopened, challenges to the Northern Ireland protocol portend trouble, the Russian war continues to threaten global stability, but, the Jubilee is a brief opportunity to come together and celebrate the good things we share.
Above all, there is the opportunity to listen to the wisdom of one 96-year old woman who lived through the Second World War, has seen 14 prime ministers leading her Government, and has witnessed all the social, political and economic changes in the UK and the world over the last 70 years.
“Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God†(Christmas broadcast, 2002).
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