IT will have none of the pomp or ceremony of some of the Queen’s other significant anniversaries – indeed she will be having a quiet day at home at Sandringham – but the monarch’s Sapphire Jubilee is still a remarkable milestone. Not only has Elizabeth II overtaken Queen Victoria to become the longest serving monarch in British history, she has reigned for 65 years and, even more remarkably, done so with her personal popularity intact.
There are all kinds of reasons for that popularity, most obviously the Queen’s clear sense of dedication and commitment. It is sometimes forgotten that in her time this nonagenerian head of state was also a great moderniser (it was she who introduced the idea of walkabouts for example) although it may be that in 2017 of all years, what we value most is the fact that she represents a relatively stable institution.
As for the Queen’s personality, all we have to go on are a few clues, as she has never given an interview, but her stoicism and pragmatism – perhaps even her old-fashioned suspicion of too much emotion – have undoubtedly helped to build and maintain her popularity.
There has also never been any doubt about her commitment to the day-to-day business of monarchy – 12 prime ministers have come and gone, but the Queen has always taken a serious and informed interest in government affairs.
There are still different views on the principle of monarchy itself of course, but it is safe to say, in these anxious and unsettled times, that there is a settled view on the Queen herself. The UK and its role in the world has radically changed since she came to the throne as a 25-year-old – and they are about to change even more - but the qualities we admire in the Queen have not changed: dedication, commitment, and good humour.
Naturally, celebrating the Sapphire Jubilee will not be to everyone’s taste. But it is not, or should not, be about deference – it is about recognising a genuinely impressive feat of public service.
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