QUEEN RANIA OF JORDAN — Abbey guest
Queen Rania of Jordan attended the funeral with her husband, King Abdullah
One might expect that my proximity to the monarchy, albeit, a different monarchy, would have demystified my awe of Queen Elizabeth. But quite the opposite—it deepened it, and more so on the day she was laid to rest.
The state funeral was a very moving tribute to Her Majesty. It was so stately, done with extreme meticulousness and was planned and executed to a tee, which is very characteristic of the British monarchy. There was a sense of finality to it, but also a sense that Her Majesty’s presence will forever linger in all those places that defined her reign and to which she lent great significance.
It was a sad day, but a reassuring one too. I felt hopeful watching it all unfold; massive crowds gathered to bid farewell to a Queen many viewed as family and to say “thank you”.
Not only was she a unifying force for her people in her lifetime, but she also brought everyone together in her passing. I have never sensed that kind of oneness, togetherness, a sense of community among all the British people before.
It was also heartening to see politicians from all sides close ranks around their new King.
King Charles is somebody I deeply respect and admire. He’s incredibly intelligent, genuine and a truly loyal friend. I have no doubt that His Majesty will live up to his mother’s legacy, as he forges his own path.
Queen Elizabeth’s virtues weren’t just ones she espoused; she embodied them, unflaggingly, through seven decades of historic change.
She may be gone, but there’s still
