My late father was born in 1925 and lived through the reigns of three Kings and one Queen. I was born in 1995 and grew up with the Queen and Prince Phillip almost as familar as my own family.
The Prince gave up his career which might well have led him to become First Sealord. But he threw himself into issues which have become even more relevant today. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme has been adopted in various forms in over 135 countries offering young people a range of activities designed to develop them as people. The Duke helped establish the World Wildlife Fund. His interest in engineering (often unaporeciated by the British ruling class) started in the Navy and continued throught his life.
What the Media dismissed as gaffes were mainly caused by the Duke's desire to put people at their ease and treat everyone the same without fear or favour. He learnt as a naval officer how to take a joke but also to mix easily with his crew.
The Queen lost her beloved father too soon and has modeled herself on her mother's hard work and sense of duty.
While our politicians fumbled and lost the public's trust, the Queen found the words to give people hope.
For Scotland, even if a Referendum votes for independence, she will continue as Head of State living in Holyrood and Balmoral.
With a large and unpredictable neighbour to the South, Canadians were reassured to have the Queen as their Head of State.
The Queen will throw berself into her work. For us Brits we can only thank her and wish her well.
