It strikes me today, in reflection of the sad loss of our lovely Queen yesterday, that although constantly in the limelight, with so much power and responsibility, the things that mattered to her were just the same as the things that matter to you and I. Not all of us get to choose which home we will stay in today - no. And I'll be honest, I'm not sure I'd find living in a castle or palace all too cozy myself...but here's the news - nor did our Queen Liz! In some way to all of us becoming 'The People's Grandmother', she was actually very humble at heart and by choice, would not have made the move to Buckingham Palace when she took the reign, and was in fact quite happy at her marital home, Clarence House, London. It was in fact Sir Winston Churchill that willed her to make the move. Her home was later known as Windsor castle, which has undergone renovations through the years - especially following the devastating fire in 1992, known famously to the Queen as her 'annus horribilis'. Within the restoration process, The Queen had a lot of involvement in the plans & decision making, ensuring all work carried out was in keeping with the character of the property, maintaining its original features and ensuring all materials and furnishings were sourced locally, therefore supporting small local businesses. But the place the Queen loved to be the most? Her holiday home - Balmoral Castle - an estate bought as a gift by Prince Albert and gifted to his wife, Queen Victoria in 1852, later to be inherited by our Queen, Elizabeth II. Why did she love being there?? For the same reason we all love to go on holiday - to get away from it all! It is a place of beauty, with stunning countryside surroundings, which she loved to venture out in and explore on walks with her family and dogs. Although we all know the Queen was not a lady to sit around twiddling her thumbs and behind the scenes was working her socks off right up until her last day, at the grand age of 96, this was a place where she could just 'be'. Spend quality time with her family. Take some well deserved time out when she needed. She enjoyed spending the summer weeks between August and September there, when the garden is at is best - everything lush green and in bloom. And this of course was where she was able to be during her last days. At peace. In her happy place. It is Friday evening as I write this post. The nation is in mourning. We have suffered such a massive loss and, although it was expected, it does feel a little surreal...it almost seemed as though she would go on forever. But, it was her time and our Queen Elizabeth can rest now in the knowledge of being the longest-reigning, most loyal & devoted monarch and matriarch I believe our country has ever known. So, if it is still Friday evening as you are reading this (well, any evening in fact!), I only feel it appropriate that you join me in raising a glass to our lovely❤️👑'Queen Liz'👑❤️ Rest in peace, beautiful, inspirational woman - here's to you! 🥂 In further tribute to our lady, please enjoy these photos taken over the years of her enjoying her favourite place, Balmoral, with her favourite people and, of course, her corgis. Now, off she goes to be reunited with her forever love, Prince Philip💙 🕊️RIP Queen Elizabeth II, 21/04/26 - 08/09/22🕊️
top of page
bottom of page
Comments