The Diamond Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving and Carriage Procession: June 5, 2012

[Jacknch]

There has been no transfer of power skit acted or played out on the balcony or anywhere else, nor have any successors to the throne been promoted during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in an attempt to transfer some of her popularity and good will to them or for any other reason.
I am at a loss to understand or comprehend how such an interpretation of the events has come about.
With the other two Jubilee celebrations, only the core members/highest ranking member of the royal family appear on the balcony and this Jubilee's balcony appearance has been the same.
To be frank, I wouldn't care if the seven dwarfs were on the balcony so long as the Queen was there too...not least of all because it would have caused less fuss and nonsense than having the royal family there.

 

[tea-n-tiaras]

The way people talk about Clarence House you would think that they sit with a gun to the Queen's head to make her do their bidding. That's painting CH and Charles as some sort of evil masterminds, but it also suggests that the Queen is a biddable push over.

The Queen is in charge at all times, that is without question. She does nothing that she doesn't feel is right or that she's not comfortable with. Camilla sat next to the Queen because that's the way the Queen wanted it. It really is that simple.

No doubt some Camilla hater out there will come up with some conspiracy theory that Clarence House somehow caused Philip's illness, meaning he missed the service and procession, and then bullied the Queen into letting Camilla sit beside her while convincing HM to banish the rest of her family from the balcony. This is utter rot. Charles will be King sooner rather than later; and Camilla will be Queen. The majority of people have accepted that, and for most Camilla's position next to the Queen really wasn't worthy of any comment whatsoever. Seeing Camilla at the heart of the royal family has become entirely normal, for most of us at least.

The Queen chose to use the final day of her Jubilee to demonstrate to the nation that she has confidence in Charles and Camilla, and William and Kate, taking the institution to which she has dedicated her life safely through the next half century. Some may not like that message, but it was clearly being made by the Queen who would not have made it had she not wanted to.

It seems you have exaggerated a bit. No one has said anything about holding guns to anyone's head, evil masterminds, or pushovers. It has been suggested that the Prince of Wales makes known his wishes to his mother as all children would be inclined to do. And his mother takes those into account as well as the practical matters of advancing the monarchy.
And The Queen most certainly has done things she would not normally do and she has done things she did not want to do in the past because it seemed they were necessary to address the issues at hand. An example would be the events surrounding Diana's funeral. The Queen did not "want" to change years of tradition regarding the flying of the Royal Standard. Yet, she did what she did not want to do and changed long standing tradition to address the perceived crisis at hand. (Even though she had done nothing disrespectful-and ought not to have had to change the tradition.) That is not to say The Queen is a pushover, it says that she is an intelligent woman who sometimes, after deliberate consideration, may give in to outside pressures and change her mind or alter her course to achieve a desired result. So, it would not be unreasonable to suggest that The Queen, after careful consideration, could be persuaded of the need to help boost Prince Charles' standing with the public and of the need to continue to rehabilitate Camilla's public persona for the longstanding good of the monarchy.

And I really don't see the need to throw out the "Camilla hater" moniker. There is a middle ground between "Camilla hater" and "President of the Camilla Fan Club."

 

[MARG]

I was not yelling. I was highlighting words in the quote to which I was referring. No venom here. Just assessing the way things appeared in my opinion. I most certainly do not view Her Majesty as in any way lacking in intelligence or as an old duffer. I think she is quite astute.

You would never know it from your continued ranting about Prince Charles and pressure from Clarence House, etc. If what you claim is true then the Queen has no backbone, and is pushed around by others.

I get that Prince Charles calls her "Mummy." (that was not yelling by the way) I can phrase it differently.What is "apparent" to me is that the Prince of Wales' position is weak enough that his [mother] feels the need to promote him during the celebration of her Diamond Jubilee in a well calculated move to hopefully transfer some of her popularity and good will to him.

In point of fact I was referring to your earlier vehement posts using capitals. That is known a shouting and is not welcome on the forum, as posted at the beginning of each thread. As to transferring "popularity", we have already pointed out to you that that is an impossibility so please cease labouring the point. Throwing ones toys out of the cot achieves nothing.

The attempt to transfer popularity to others is a frequent occurrence and not the least bit ludicrous. That is the reason politicians get popular figures to campaign for them. That is the reason causes enlist the help of popular figures to champion causes. The idea is that if this well loved and admired figure is for this person then I should be also.

As we have already pointed out, the Monarchy is not politics! And the Queen's subjects are not voting or electing anyone so it's all rather pointless. I am concerned however, about your perception of our Queen, venal, political and manipulative? Not traits I would have associated with HM, but if that's what you see . . .

I am well aware that it is the law that determines who the next king will be, so I didn't need to see the "transfer of power" skit acted out for me. I came to the festivities to celebrate the present.

Since the Jubilee was under her complete control I suggest that you write to Her Majesty and tell her you are both generally and specifically, not amused!

 

[Argyle]

There has been no transfer of power skit acted or played out on the balcony or anywhere else, nor have any successors to the throne been promoted during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in an attempt to transfer some of her popularity and good will to them or for any other reason.
I am at a loss to understand or comprehend how such an interpretation of the events has come about.
With the other two Jubilee celebrations, only the core members/highest ranking member of the royal family appear on the balcony and this Jubilee's balcony appearance has been the same.
To be frank, I wouldn't care if the seven dwarfs were on the balcony so long as the Queen was there too...not least of all because it would have caused less fuss and nonsense than having the royal family there.

That's not true. For the Queen's Golden Jubilee all members of the Royal Family (including Kents and Gloucesters) appeared on the balcony.

Royal Family on Palace Balcony for Golden Jubilee - YouTube

 

[tea-n-tiaras]

You would never know it from your continued ranting about Prince Charles and pressure from Clarence House, etc. If what you claim is true then the Queen has no backbone, and is pushed around by others.

In point of fact I was referring to your earlier vehement posts using capitals. That is known a shouting and is not welcome on the forum, as posted at the beginning of each thread. As to transferring "popularity", we have already pointed out to you that that is an impossibility so please cease labouring the point. Throwing ones toys out of the cot achieves nothing.

As we have already pointed out, the Monarchy is not politics! And the Queen's subjects are not voting or electing anyone so it's all rather pointless. I am concerned however, about your perception of our Queen, venal, political and manipulative? Not traits I would have associated with HM, but if that's what you see . . .

Since the Jubilee was under her complete control I suggest that you write to Her Majesty and tell her you are both generally and specifically, not amused!

As I have already stated I was not at any time intending to yell. The caps were meant to highlight the ideas, not to yell at anyone. I apologize if they came across that way. I will make sure not to cause anyone to think I am yelling at them in the future.

It seems to me from your responses that you are, as you claim in your signature, quite fond of "wild words." This is clear from your seeming desire to mischaracterize and ceremoniously dismiss what I have stated, instead of discuss it.

I am well versed in the British Monarchy and have great respect and admiration for Queen Elizabeth II as anyone who knows me would attest.

 

[Argyle]

In my opinion, quite simply, it is only polite to ensure that the ladies in a carriage are able to face forward rather than backwards.

That's exactly what I thought regarding the seating arrangements.

 

[EIIR]

It seems you have exaggerated a bit. No one has said anything about holding guns to anyone's head, evil masterminds, or pushovers. It has been suggested that the Prince of Wales makes known his wishes to his mother as all children would be inclined to do. And his mother takes those into account as well as the practical matters of advancing the monarchy.
And The Queen most certainly has done things she would not normally do and she has done things she did not want to do in the past because it seemed they were necessary to address the issues at hand. An example would be the events surrounding Diana's funeral. The Queen did not "want" to change years of tradition regarding the flying of the Royal Standard. Yet, she did what she did not want to do and changed long standing tradition to address the perceived crisis at hand. (Even though she had done nothing disrespectful-and ought not to have had to change the tradition.) That is not to say The Queen is a pushover, it says that she is an intelligent woman who sometimes, after deliberate consideration, may give in to outside pressures and change her mind or alter her course to achieve a desired result. So, it would not be unreasonable to suggest that The Queen, after careful consideration, could be persuaded of the need to help boost Prince Charles' standing with the public and of the need to continue to rehabilitate Camilla's public persona for the longstanding good of the monarchy.

And I really don't see the need to throw out the "Camilla hater" moniker. There is a middle ground between "Camilla hater" and "President of the Camilla Fan Club."

In major national moments (or moments of major national madness as followed Diana's death), the Queen takes advice from the PM and her advisors. But ultimately, the Queen makes the decisions. It reminds me of Lord Mountbatton complaining to the Queen that he should be allowed to ride close to her carriage during the Silver Jubilee procession, as opposed to further back. The Queen made it clear to him in no uncertain terms that she would not be changing the setup of the procession just to please him, no matter how much she loved and admired him as a member of her family.

The very small number of people who seem to have problems with Camilla sitting next to the Queen in the carriage are quite clearly people who have issues with Camilla personally. If Charles had remarried a woman totally unrelated to the War of the Waleses, I have no doubt they would not have had any problem with her sitting next to the Queen.

It's entirely natural that the Queen, in the twilight of her life, should look ahead to bolster the position of her heirs, both Charles and William. I think she was also teeing us up to see C&C and W&K take on more and more of the kind of duties that she and the DoE have been performing. I would be surprised if HM wasn't thinking in these terms.

Ultimately, I've seen no evidence that the British people have any issue with Camilla being in the same carriage as the Queen. My parents, who are royalists but not as interested in the RF as me, literally said nothing about Camilla's position or the balcony scene. Camilla's presence has now become so 'normal' and unexceptional, that it's no longer worth debating. The papers responded very positively to the decision to have a much smaller number of royals on the balcony as they support a leaner, more efficient royal family.

 

[US Royal Watcher]

I strongly believe that the general public has been very unfair to both Prince Charles and Camilla, but I also believe that the Queen should have included her whole family on the balcony--as she did during her Golden Jubilee. It really doesn't matter to me who made the decision to exclude three of her children and their families--I thought it was a mistake.

I also thought the purpose of this forum was to allow those who have an interest in the royal family and royal events to discuss their opinions. I find I learn a lot from people who have different viewpoints and hope that all the posters on the board can respect opposing opinions.

 

[MagMil]

Diamond Jubilee - Thanksgiving Service/1 - YouTube
Diamond Jubilee-Thanksgiving Service/2 - YouTube

 

[grevinnan]

The Queen has the final say. If anyone doesn't like the way she wants things done I suggest staging an "intervention" and get her straightened out. Obviously she is out of touch with how things should be done, she just doesn't know it.

 

[Baroness of Books]

I saw no problem with the Jubilee arrangements, other than I would have liked to have seen HM's other children on the balcony, but one must naturally defer to the monarch's wishes. I enjoyed the entire celebrations and didn't think anything was untoward about Charles and Camilla's high-profile presence in the carriage, on the balcony, sitting in proximity to the Queen etc. Charles is her heir, after all. I just missed Philip's presence at the latter part of the festivities, but obviously it wasn't planned that way so I'm sure C&C's support was invaluable to HM at this time. I'm sure no one held the proverbial gun to her head at any time to force her into whatever decision was made.

 

[Clarkeh25]

Where is Lady Gabriella Windsor?
An important celebration for the Queen and she missed it. One day from her studies would do no harm.

 

[Lumutqueen]

Studying at Oxford.
Potentially sitting exams or even her final exams is important enough.

 

[chelly]

Colleges tend to frown on students missing classes or exams, especially a final. I have no problem with who sat with the Queen, I rather her sit with someone then be alone. As for the balcony scene, I saw it more as showing the next generations of monarchs to come. Sort of like the Christianing picture of Princess Estelle and the recent portrait of Queen Margaret with Frederick and Christian.

I know Harry isn't the next Monarch but he is high in the line of succession.

 

[marine2109]

Diamond Jubilee Reception at Guildhall
London, England - 05.06.12

WENN Photo Library - Search Results

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Procession - The Balcony at Buckingham Palace
London, England - 05.06.12

WENN Photo Library - Search Results

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Procession
London, England - 05.06.12

WENN Photo Library - Search Results

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee thanksgiving service at St. Paul's Cathedral
London, England - 05.06.12

WENN Photo Library - Search Results

 

[RoyalistRiley]

An important celebration for the Queen and she missed it. One day from her studies would do no harm.

Don't see the issue. Personally I'd skip an exam/studying but she may think otherwise.

 

[Lumutqueen]

Don't see the issue. Personally I'd skip an exam/studying but she may think otherwise.

She probably thinks her education, which will get her everywhere in life, is more important than appearing in the celebrations which will get her nowhere. We haven't seen this girl for some time and I doubt we will in the future.

 

[MagMil]

Diamond Jubilee - Thanksgiving Service/1 - YouTube
Diamond Jubilee-Thanksgiving Service/2 - YouTube

Diamond Jubilee-Thanksgiving Service/3 - YouTube

 

[Tyger]

I also believe that the Queen should have included her whole family on the balcony--as she did during her Golden Jubilee. It really doesn't matter to me who made the decision to exclude three of her children and their families--I thought it was a mistake.

I agree. It seemed odd to me.

 

[MARG]

The Queen has the final say. If anyone doesn't like the way she wants things done I suggest staging an "intervention" and get her straightened out. Obviously she is out of touch with how things should be done, she just doesn't know it.

That is utterly brilliant! It's the best laugh I've had in days since all the agonising and dissecting of the carriage seating arrangements and the balcony appearance. I have to wonder who we could nominate as chief protagonist in said "intervention" and how he, or she, would enjoy an extended tour of the Outer Hebrides come winter!

Actually, I think the Queen is a pretty sharp operator. Jubilee celebrations see her gently underlining the Succession with her heir and his heirs and, in a couple of weeks we will, I am sure, see her emphasise the entire BRF at the Trooping of the Colour. The timing of both events is serendipitous in the extreme.

She really is one foxy lady!

 

[MARG]

Hasn't there been previous jubilee celebrations where Charles was photographed next to his mother? He is often photographed with her, there was no need to change the rules for something so trivial as a photo op.

I thought it wonderful to see that instead of HM travelling up the Mall alone with an empty seat beside her, she chose to ride with her son and his wife. All the little asides, laughs and comments that were exchanged made the journey easier for her and maybe a little bit more fun for the three of them as well.

Let's face it, major events in our life are just not as much fun if you don't get to share them with the people you love. But I have to admit, Charles tipping his topper was both amusing and quite lovely. As were the indulgent looks from his wife and his mother!

 

[Thena]

To me, it feels perfectly natural that the Jubilee balcony appearance featured a limited number of family members when Trooping the Colour happens less than two weeks later. Everyone will be on the balcony for that one.

 

[Lumutqueen]

Everyone will be on the balcony for that one.

We hope.

 

[Molly2101]

We hope.

If they don't all appear I feel I may lose faith in the British Monarchy!

I am just watching the Service of Thanksgiving now as I am back from holiday and everytime Louise appears I smile. She is delightful. My favourite moment is when they are walking up the aisle after they arrive in procession (Anne and Tim in front of the the Wessex trio) and Louise starts to walk behind Sophie when she should be inbetween. Andrew, Beatrice and Eugenie are all giggling fondly at her, it's really cute.

 

[tea-n-tiaras]

The Queen has the final say. If anyone doesn't like the way she wants things done I suggest staging an "intervention" and get her straightened out. Obviously she is out of touch with how things should be done, she just doesn't know it.

I have never suggested the Queen does not have the final say or that she is unknowingly out of touch.

 

[tea-n-tiaras]

I have been really surprised by the rudeness and sarcasm encountered on this site. I was offering my observations, as a member, on the topic at hand. I expressed my enjoyment of celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, expressed that I missed Prince Philip's presence, and stated that I would have liked to see a different carriage arrangement that would not have brought up any controversy in the midst of The Queen's Jubilee. (And it did bring up controversy, because it was reported on and noted - and I read the reader responses to that arrangement.) I then suggested that it would have been sweet to see Prince Harry accompany his Grandmother as they were both without escorts, so to speak, and to see The Queen's whole family on the balcony to celebrate and support The Queen. They were merely observations from my perspective and how those particular arrangements made me feel as an observer. But, I don't think they were shocking or treasonous observations. And, I understand that others won't agree or see things the same way. Apparently, some on this sight are only interested in hearing from those who will parrot their own opinions back to them and treating those who do not with contempt.

 

[sunshine2012]

If they don't all appear I feel I may lose faith in the British Monarchy!

I am just watching the Service of Thanksgiving now as I am back from holiday and everytime Louise appears I smile. She is delightful. My favourite moment is when they are walking up the aisle after they arrive in procession (Anne and Tim in front of the the Wessex trio) and Louise starts to walk behind Sophie when she should be inbetween. Andrew, Beatrice and Eugenie are all giggling fondly at her, it's really cute.

do you have a video link?

 

[DukeOfAster]

I have been really surprised by the rudeness and sarcasm encountered on this site. I was offering my observations, as a member, on the topic at hand. I expressed my enjoyment of celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, expressed that I missed Prince Philip's presence, and stated that I would have liked to see a different carriage arrangement that would not have brought up any controversy in the midst of The Queen's Jubilee. (And it did bring up controversy, because it was reported on and noted - and I read the reader responses to that arrangement.) I then suggested that it would have been sweet to see Prince Harry accompany his Grandmother as they were both without escorts, so to speak, and to see The Queen's whole family on the balcony to celebrate and support The Queen. They were merely observations from my perspective and how those particular arrangements made me feel as an observer. But, I don't think they were shocking or treasonous observations. And, I understand that others won't agree or see things the same way. Apparently, some on this sight are only interested in hearing from those who will parrot their own opinions back to them and treating those who do not with contempt.

I must say we are all passionate about this site and the things we state on this site. We are not going to change how this is done it is our opinion. I for one would have never in a million years would have given my late mother who divorced my father engagement ring to my future wife.William did and after it happened had a good reason why he did. So as you see just because we stated on here does not mean we will change it just that we would have done it differently. By no means does it mean the Queen is out of touch she just choose to do it another way. Lets please be respectful of others. I for one thought the walk in saint Paul was going to be done differently but guess what it was not. In the end no man or women took the Dukes place in the church she stood alone and after seeing that I kind of liked it. God Bless!!!!

 

[chelly]

Does anyone have the full thanksgiving program online yet. For some reason only half of it (not even that it barely started) got taped. Not sure why my tv did that to me. So mostly I got was the reporters repeating the queen will drive down this road. Oh and everyone coming in and the start of it.

 

[Lumutqueen]

There was a program listed in one of the DM articles from the day.