The Queen reversed
Anyone who has seen the Oscar-winning film The Queen, with Helen Mirren in the title role, will remember the amusing scene in which Tony Blair is appointed HM’s 10th Prime Minister.
Today, that process was reversed when Tony Blair went to Buckingham Palace to tender his resignation.
Dour Scot, Gordon Brown, Chancellor of the Exchequer, was then appointed Prime Minister — the 11th of the Queen’s reign.
I mention this because, here in Britain, it seems such a momentous occasion. Blair has been in office for 10 long years and the public was yearning for a change.
But also because the film got it wrong. Nowadays, the incoming PM doesn’t have to kneel, nor kiss the Queen’s hand. It’s all done with just a brief exchange of words. Unlike in America, it’s the Queen who takes the oath, at her Coronation, and simply appoints the Prime Minister by asking him/her to form a Government.
However, the incident in the film pin-pointed a trait in Blair’s character : his lack of grasp of the detail. It’s a case of art casting light on reality.
The Queen appeared to get along well with Brown as he spent an hour in her company. In the movie, Blair was only there for a few minutes.
It’s at moments like these that the constitutional nature of the Monarchy is apparent to all.
No-one does it better than Elizabeth II.
Yep, no one. And her nerves are solid
I could not stay away from politics if I was such an important character, with that opportunity to give your points of view so easily while knowing that everybody will know them.
By Lilyfromfrance on June 27th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
I have a feeling that the Queen expresses her views to someone. Her Majesty is merely discreet and careful about those she takes into her confidence. Life in a fishbowl has it’s drawbacks, to be sure. In those palaces and castles, the walls literally have ears.
Do any of our merry Royal Anecdotes group have plans to attend the Concert for Diana? I would love to get a first hand view of how it proceeds.
By Gigi on June 27th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
No, Gigi, I tend to stay away from rock concerts — the misery of Glastonbury last weekend is a good example of what to avoid.
It’s live on BBC TV though, from about 3pm, so I’ll probably watch the beginning (to see who’s there) and dip in again for the finale.
By John on June 28th, 2007 at 8:33 am
I plan to watch it on tv since I can’t get to London. But not to see who’s there I could care less I would rather honour the Woman for whom it’s intended. Lets hope it is something Diana would have been proud of.
By Trudie on June 28th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
I am hoping some channel here in America will carry it, but my guess is, no one will. Very irritating. I also am hoping that the concert and the church service will be a fitting memorial to the beloved Princess Diana. Let us also hope that Charles and Camilla behave appropriately. If so, it will be the first time.
By Gigi on June 28th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Gigi, it’s possible the BBC website will carry this. Try http://www.bbc.co.uk.
By John on June 28th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
Thank you very much, John! I certainly will!
By Gigi on June 28th, 2007 at 10:53 pm
Gigi NBC is supposed to carry it and I also heard that VH1 is broadcasting it chech with the cable co. I have a friend that works for NBC here in NY I’ll ask.
By Trudie on June 29th, 2007 at 1:30 am
Thanks so much, Trudie!
By Gigi on June 29th, 2007 at 3:28 am
I’m at a work do on Sat night so I’ll miss it, (I’ll expect a full report on Sunday!), but last night i read a lovely article by Rosa Monckton on Diana. She really highlighted what a friend she was; arriving with a list of what she thought Rosa needed before her baby was born and dragging her shopping in Mothercare. My friends did the exact same thing for me and so it resonated with genuine friendship.
And when Rosa’s second child was born with Downs syndrome Diana asked to be Godmother and was very involved.
The article made you think of her as a normal sweet woman, which you often forget with her iconic status.
By Eliza on June 29th, 2007 at 9:40 am
Thanks for posting this, Eliza. There will never be anyone like Princess Diana in my opinion. The thousand kind acts of compassion and generosity she showered on so many are just a small part of what made her so special. A woman like that is very rare.
By Gigi on June 29th, 2007 at 3:49 pm