I always expected the Platinum Jubilee to be full of British patriotism, pomp, and ancient regal tradition, albeit with the contemporary pizzazz of 21st-century technology. What I wasn't prepared for was how deeply moving the four-day extravaganza would be.
In the end, Her Majesty appeared briefly on just four occasions, three of which were on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, but her spirit was everywhere.
I was on the ground in London for every step of the occasion - one I'm sure we will be poring over for decades, if not centuries, to come and the poignancy of being part of what in all likelihood will be the House of Windsor's only Platinum Jubilee and the final years of the Elizabethan era was palpable.
Most Kiwis, Aussies, and Brits have only known one head of state: Queen Elizabeth II. And as Prince Philip was for Her Majesty, this monarch has been our "strength and stay" her dedication to service a shining example in a world that seems to have become increasingly divided.
As a young queen, Elizabeth II was glamorous and energetic, her appetite to travel to all corners of the world especially the Commonwealth and her realms, including Aotearoa - exciting and impactful. As she matured, Her Majesty began to offer something deeper, partly a reassurance for the people that she will always have our backs, but also values of decency and compassion founded on a profound personal faith - which powerfully makes a point of honouring and welcoming other religions - and a commitment to a promise she made on her 21st birthday that has never wavered. As she said in her first televised Christmas address in 1957, "I cannot lead you into battle. I do not give you laws or administer justice. But I can do something else. I can give you my heart and my devotion."
This story is from the July 2022 edition of Australian Women’s Weekly NZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2022 edition of Australian Women’s Weekly NZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Spotlight on Vitamin D
Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, but safe sun exposure is still essential.
Coming up roses
Driven by a renewed interest in the flower’s power, a rose renaissance is dawning.
'I was given a 5% chance of survival'
When Caroline Laner Breure was hit by a car in an horrific accident on a Spanish holiday with her boyfriend, her body and her dreams were shattered. Somehow she found the will to go on living.
Time to celebrate our mothers
Author Kathy Lette gives a heartfelt thank you to her magnificent mum, Val - a baker of fairy cakes with the patience of a saint.
"I am lucky to be here" ”
Since the day she walked onto the MasterChef Australia set back in 2009, Julie Goodwin has openly shared her life. But in writing a memoir, she had to examine the demons she'd battled privately... until now.
JAMIE OLIVER at your service
Returning to the set of MasterChef Australia to help steer a path through grief and spread happiness, the celebrity chef is also at a turning point - he opens up about failure, love, second chances and his endless reservoir of joie de vivre.
From one mum to another
Princess Catherine's public announcement struck a chord with mum-of-two Jane Gillard. She shares her story of parenting through cancer- and offers hope for the princess and mums navigating their own health journey while raising primary-aged kids.
The courage of Princess Catherine "You are„, not alone"
It was a rare personal address that she shouldn’t have had to make. But with conspiracy theories swirling and the slimmed-down “Firm” under fire, Princess Catherine silenced critics with searing courage and dignity.
THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE
When Tracy Hall fell for Max Tavita, she fell for a mirage. Max was a false identity created by a con man, and Tracy was the latest in a long line of women whose life savings hed stolen.
Amother's GIFT
In December last year, Australia’s first uterus transplant recipient, Kirsty Bryant, gave birth to Henry, a happy, healthy baby boy. The uterus that had made this little miracle possible had been donated by her mother, Michelle. Five months later, their first Mother’s Day since Henry’s birth feels especially precious.
