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 Queen”. 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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We have a peculiarly British form of Monarchy, with Parliament doing the actual governing. But she is far from a mere figure head and the Monarchy with its pomp and pageantry is much more than just a tourist attraction. Over the last 70 years she has proved to be a bastion of Britishness – a model of conservative, dignified and a “let’s-just-get-on-with-it” approach to life.

Constitutional Monarchy
The Bible tells us to pray for rulers and those in authority. This is important not only for the general well-being of society, but particularly for ensuring peace, security and freedom of religion. For us, this means the freedom to follow Christ openly and publicly. Throughout her reign, Christianity has been upheld as both the foundation and the heritage of the nation. At the same time, the multi-faith nature of the Commonwealth, has been respected by Her Majesty, showing not only her personal tolerance of those who believe differently, but also a society based on Christian principles, historically-speaking, at least.

Longest Serving British Monarch
The Queen’s 70-year reign makes her the longest serving monarch in British history. In her Platinum Jubilee message on the eve of the anniversary of when she became Queen, she renewed the pledge first made pledge as a young woman in 1947, that her life would always be devoted to the service of the people of Great Britain.

Queen Elizabeth has stood firm in her resolve while adapting to the changes in society. She has suffered personal grief and many anxious family moments, but her faith in Christ has always sustained her. In fact, she has often been the strongest public Christian voice in the nation. For that we can praise God.

With the issue of succession drawing ever nearer we must be vigilant in prayer. We must ask that God may grant godly influence upon the transition and grace for what is likely to come afterwards. It is not too hard to imagine that there are influences in our nation that would not want to see the Monarchy so tied to one particular religion. Pressure will likely be exerted to set it aside, to lay it to rest altogether. Almost certainly, what we have enjoyed over the last 70 years will not be repeated.

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