All birthdays are reason to get together and celebrate. They’re also a good opportunity to pause and reflect on a life lived so far and to look forward to what has yet to come.
The Queen turning 90 is not just a reason for a celebratory party. It also give us the chance to consider what the monarchy means to us today and into the future.
The Bill of Rights Act of 1689 set out the foundations of constitutional monarchy, giving freedoms from royal interference and influence over parliament, but still maintaining a role for the monarch as Head of State, alongside the established position as a figurehead for the nation and national identity.
The Queen’s role as Head of State is an important one as she undertakes both constitutional and representational duties: opening parliament, signing Bills into law, receiving visiting Heads of State, and making State visits in support of UK interests.
As a constitutional monarch, The Queen must remain politically neutral, so despite an important formal role appointing prime ministers and assenting to legislation, The Queen provides a great sense of continuity and stability above and beyond any party politics.
And that political neutrality is fundamental to The Queen’s role as ‘head of the nation’; a position for which she is known and respected throughout country, the Commonwealth and the world, providing a focus for our national unity and pride.
Passing the landmark of becoming our longest serving Monarch back in September, The Queen has an enormous wealth of experience to draw upon, having had regular audiences will every prime minister since Sir Winston Churchill and that unique perspective is valued and appreciated by the thousands of people who meet the Queen each and every year.
Our monarchy works well for us and is part of our distinct and rich cultural heritage. Aspects of it will undoubtedly continue to evolve over time, but its constant and steadfast presence in our society is one we should celebrate on many levels.
It’s right that we now honour the Queen’s 90th birthday in a conspicuous way. This year’s official birthday is set for Saturday 11th June, when The Queen will take the Royal Salute at the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony in Horse Guards Parade; an event full of all the pageantry and custom that we’re famous for.
A Patron’s Lunch to honour The Queen’s charitable patronages will be held the following day – a street party for 10,000 people along the Mall, each treated to a classic hamper lunch. A great big British picnic seems a fitting way to mark the day.
In and around Petersfield, there was a typically great response to the ‘Clean for The Queen’ campaign. Among other acts, oak trees have been planted at Love Lane Playing Fields and there will be a ‘Proms of Praise' event at TPS on Saturday 11th June, hosted by the Petersfield Salvation Army to celebrate their own 130th birthday as well as the Queen’s 90th.
We are paying our respects to the wonderful person who is Queen Elizabeth II. But we are also celebrating our constitution, our traditions and our nation. A good excuse indeed to get out the picnic rug and bunting, and have a right royal sing song.
Article written by Damian Hinds and published in the Petersfield Post, 20th April 2016