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The Queen’s Favourite Films and TV Programmes
My small tribute to our beloved, longest-reigning monarch.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II (1926–2022)
It is daunting attempting any kind of tribute to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Historians, academics, journalists, and writers of all kinds — not to mention those who knew her personally, or at least met her — will doubtless do so far more eloquently than me. Yet I feel compelled to write something, as I cannot let this moment in history pass without comment.
But what angle to take? At first, I thought of recounting some of my favourite stories involving the Queen, including my personal favourite: The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia’s reaction to her personally driving him around the Balmoral grounds (look it up, it’s hilarious). Or perhaps a more serious piece examining her role over the decades as a diplomat and peacemaker (in Northern Ireland, for instance). Or maybe just a compilation of her finest quotes, showcasing her splendid dry wit, her poignant reflections on love and loss, her stoicism and devotion to her people, and her strong Christian faith.
I even thought of analysing the lyrics of this song (and recent accompanying video) by my favourite pop group Pet Shop Boys (a track from their 1993 album Very, with…