68 years. It’s been 68 years since Queen Elizabeth II has been the monarch of The United Kingdom. The longest for a British monarch and for any female monarch in the world. In less than two years, she will surpass Thailand’s Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej to become the world’s longest reigning monarch, ever.
I see no reason that she wouldn’t be able to do so - she’s been in the pink of health since she descended onto the throne and abdication seems very, very far fetched.
It is no secret that her majesty’s son, Charles, Prince of Wales has been subjected to unending mockery and memes. He has been the longest-waiting heir to the throne, after all.
However, with COVID-19 having laid its icy hands on the United Kingdom, there has been much debate over the queen’s reign. She’s 94, much above the age bracket which the government restricts from working. In simple words, she is at high risk from the virus. In March, she went into isolation in Windsor Castle with her husband, Prince Philip after Charles tested positive for the virus and many believe that there is no way in which she can go back to the way she was - shaking hands, hugging, greeting crowds and addressing gatherings.
Royal biographer Andrew Morton says that the Queen’s reign is “effectively over” and while not by name, she has “practically put her son on the throne.” It would be very risky for the queen to carry out social engagements. Also, to rub salt on the wounds, the virus doesn’t look like it’s going to leave anytime soon.
So has the Coronavirus finally given Charles the opportunity he was waiting for? Has this pandemic finally slowed down a lady whom the world considers unstoppable?
Well, I don’t believe so. Last week, The Royal Family’s Instagram account put up several pictures of the Queen granting knighthoods and meeting people (with social distancing). That too, masklessly (Which is not advisable!). While some reports suggest that her majesty has already tested positive for the virus and subsequently recovered, others believe she is being too reckless.
However, it is on record that Elizabeth’s health graph has been much better than her son’s, who’s fallen ill over the years frequently.
She, in her reign, has only been hospitalized twice, once for trapped gas and another time for knee pain. That too over twenty years ago.
The Queen has survived political upheavals, 13 prime ministers, riots, economic falls, change challenging traditions over the years, the passing of her much-loved daughter-in-law and much more. She has seen The United Kingdom dip and rise and evolve over time. She has got brickbats and bouquets.
Maybe I am being too optimistic. Maybe the problems mentioned above weren’t as severe as a 94 year old trying to make it through this terrible pandemic. Maybe optimism is helping me compensate for the terrible sadness I feel just thinking about this glorious reign coming to an end in such an inglorious manner. But I do hope that she conquers through this deadly virus, and becomes the embodiment of what she once quoted, “when life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.”