Now that the Queen is dead, the long goodbye begins

The Queen died on Thursday, September 8th. At 96, it wasn't a shock. She had looked frail in photos and public appearances in recent years, no doubt having slowly gone downhill after the death of Prince Philip. Those around at the time of the death of her father in 1952, unlikely to provide perspective in how to grieve someone like her. Someone many of us have never met, but who has been a constant in our lives. The only monarch many of us have ever known. We are in a less deferential time, experiencing the event different from previous generations. What would people in Queen Victoria's day make of hearing the news via social media alert?

On Thursday morning I awoke to the news she was under medical supervision, but thought little more about it. She is frail, but she will rally. This is the person who recovered from Covid. She wasn't going anywhere. A photo of her at Balmoral, meeting her latest Prime Minister had her looking frail, but still with that spark. Truth be told, I thought she would outlive us all. We would celebrate her 100th birthday in due course and with concern, while admiring her all the more for it. 

Later that day, when I heard she died, I was surprised. When I heard Prince Charles referred to as The King, I was even more surprised. This was new and would take some getting used to. From this point forward we would have three kings. It is unlikely we will ever say God Save the Queen at any point in our lifetimes. Depending on whether Prince George's first child is a girl, it could be 100 years from now, or more. Who could have known that Wednesday, September 7th would be the last time saying it would apply?

Watching her coffin leave Balmoral for the last time brought it home to me. Watching coverage of her cortege as it made its way to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in the Scottish capital. It will remain in Scotland until Tuesday, when it will make the journey back to London by airplane. We will watch again as it disembarks. Another hearse, another journey, lying in State in Westminster Hall, then her State funeral, before she makes her final journey to St. George's Chapel Windsor. A life, and a death under global scrutiny. 

I'm not a monarchist by any means. I had a respect for the Queen, but truth be told, I've long thought she should retire. No one could argue she has not carried out her duty. The longest serving monarch in British history, she had earned the right to rest, and enjoy her life. When Prince Philip retired from public life in 2017, I thought he had the right idea. No one thought any less of him for doing so. Nor would anyone have thought any less of her. It was difficult to watch her grow frail before our eyes. No one could avoid the reality. It was only a matter of time before we would face a new one. 

On September 19th we will say our final goodbye. Finally, a long earned rest, free from the gaze of the public eye. 

© Marilyn Braun 2022 

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Places people, places! Harry and Meghan are back!

I normally refrain from voicing an opinion on Harry and Meghan without having an option for shelter. Especially on Twitter where a pile-on can be swift for those who dare to voice their opinions. Not all heroes wear capes. But if they did, they would be designed by Stella McCartney. Offering us protection in a stylish and sustainable way. Any other designer and you're on your own.

Yes, the unsung heroes. The Twitter warriors wading through the toxic battlefield so we don't have to. The next generation will thank us for their sacrifices against the immediate threat of a complete stranger's contrary opinion. Observing from above, the royal family is designing a medal. It will be called the Order of Think Before You Tweet. Don't you know there are wild-fires/starving children/poverty/environmental problems to remind others about?

This just in, Harry and Meghan have returned from their holidays. Places people, places! 7 days in to 2020 and we are off!

Harry and Meghan. Just the names make you suit-up. Oh those wacky Stans! Why can't they just understand? Or better yet, go away. Oh no, here they come! Block 'em and brag about being on the right side. Announcing you like Meghan and Catherine? (egads!) becomes just another thing to argue about. Why can't we just grab a coffee and hash it out?

Some say Harry and Meghan are to blame. They can't do anything right. Not when we've decided they're already wrong before they step off the plane.  We wouldn't have to argue if they did what we demand they do, right? Could they handle things differently? Depends on who you ask. Today's controversy will be tomorrow's tally point. Sending mixed messages by publicly thanking people for a private holiday? Oh the humanity!

The story may change but one thing is consistent, our reaction to it.

[Insert action we don't like]...furious typing...snack..furious retweet...snack...furious typing...lunch break..furious retweet...dinner...Rinse and repeat next week.

Now that we're off, grab a comfy chair. I'm making popcorn, do you want some?

© Marilyn Braun 2020

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Giving Catherine Cambridge a chance is hard, but someone has to do it

There are many ways in which Catherine cannot win.

• There's her dress sense. (Too long, too short, too safe, too expensive, too cheap, seen too often..)

• Then there's her looks. (She's too thin, Does she have extensions? what's with the sausage curls and hyena grin?)

• Not to mention questions about her marriage and 'commoner' family background (Catherine is nothing more than a social climber who duped William into marrying her..)

• Then there's her role within the royal family (Is she a senior royal or not? Her job is to give birth to an heir, why isn't she working more?)

• Comparisons to other royals (Is she the new Diana? Look at the Queen, 86 years old. What is Catherine's excuse?)

• As well as what she does in her spare time (Shopping, getting her hair done, vacations...)

• Then there is the media with their 'everything Catherine touches turns to gold articles'.  Their relentless focus on Catherine's appearance to the exclusion of everything else. Along with a complete inability to write an article that directly criticizes her. Even if that criticism is valid.

Recently Catherine has slowly increased her duties. Instead of hearing that she is doing things 'behind the scenes' we are actually seeing her carry out royal duties in public. It is something that many Kate critics have waited a long time for, myself included. But there's also cynicism. Will she increase her engagements or will she go on a luxury vacation after doing four of them? How can we know for sure? Will we be disappointed by her yet again?

That cynicism is very apparent in the aftermath of her royal duties. It is as if people can't make up their minds. Despite wanting her to do more engagements, when she does do one, people criticize the type of engagement (too frivolous, not serious enough). If the engagement is a serious one, people will find something else to criticize her for.  Case in point: Despite doing a great job during her visit to Child Bereavement UK,  people criticized the length of her hemline. Then there's the motive behind the engagement. Is it a genuine visit or just damage control?  St James's Palace's tendency to release engagement information on the heels of negative public opinion is suspicious. But is this can't always be the case, can it?

Given the amount of goodwill from the royal wedding, Catherine could have hit the ground running. But she didn't. There was a two year grace period filled with stops and starts and unpredictable engagements. Nothing consistent. Is it really any wonder that people are cynical about Catherine now?

It seems Catherine can't win regardless of what she does, it almost makes you wonder why she bothers to leave the house. But then people would probably complain about that too! Of course everyone is entitled to their opinion about Catherine. Having said that, there's a difference between criticizing her and putting her in an impossible situation by tearing her down no matter what she does.

Catherine has a fantastic platform to make a difference. With the increase in engagements, let's hope this is a sign she plans to do something with it.

© Marilyn Braun 2013

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Can Catherine Cambridge walk on water?

Looking at the saccharine media coverage about Catherine and you would definitely think so. But the comment section in articles and on royal message boards belies that view. Even if people choose to dismiss and ignore it.

Regardless of their personal viewpoint, William and Catherine are the fairytale couple. Perfection, beauty and happiness personified. Catherine by her sheer newness, ability to dress well and look attentive around small children, has reportedly won every heart that has ever come into contact with her. Not to mention sympathy for the incessant comparison to a dead iconic mother-in-law. She is also on par with the Queen in immunity from criticism. Compare her to Princess Anne or Mother Theresa and Catherine will win hands down. Not because of what she has or hasn't done but because she is better looking.

We have been repeatedly reminded that Catherine has not 'put a foot wrong'. It's difficult to do when little has been expected of her. Easing her into her royal position has been an agonizing process for people who would like to see her do something other than smile and sell clothes; no matter how good it may be for British industry. She is capable of more than that. After a year, she has reportedly graduated to a fully-fledged royal. Here's hoping Royal Year-Two brings a more realistic viewpoint of her skills and dedication. For her sake as well as ours.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

The Royal Report for Sunday September 18, 2011 - Royal Baby Watch - September edition

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday September 18, 2011 at 9:00PM EST (North America)

The topic will be: Five months in and still no news of a royal baby for William and Catherine. Should they be pregnant by now or are we being impatient?

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

The Royal Report for Sunday July 17, 2011 - Is Catherine Cambridge a style icon?

Since the announcement of her engagement, everything that Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge has worn has set trends and sold out. But is this just media hype or a sign that she's a style icon?

Listen to the episode to find out: Is Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge a style icon?

Publications discussed

People Cover story: 'Will & Kate Conquer America' July 25, 2011

Maclean's Cover story: 'Will & Kate's Canadian Honeymoon' July 18, 2011

Hello! Canada Weekly No 224 18 July 2011

From My Royal Collection

Kate Style: Chic and Classic Look

Diana Style: Foreword by Manolo Blahnik

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday July 31, 2011 at 9:00PM ET (North America)

The topic will be: Can Sarah Ferguson rehabilitate her public image?

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

The Royal Report for Sunday February 27, 2011 - Royal Focus - Windsor Castle

Tonight's episode has been postponed. It will be uploaded later on this week.

Sorry!

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday February 27, 2011 at 9:00PM EST (North America)

The topic wil be: Royal Focus - Windsor Castle

© Marilyn Braun 2011

The Royal Report for Sunday January 30, 2011 - Westminster Abbey and the Royal Family

On this episode, new ways to enjoy the royal wedding with a friend, who is waging war on 'moronic muzak'? On his wedding day, what potentially controversial item will Prince William be wearing under his military uniform?

Find out on this episode:

The Royal Report - Westminster Abbey and The Royal Family

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada Weekly No 203 31 January 2011

Royalty Monthly - January/February 2011

Majesty Magazine Volume 32 No 1

From My Royal Collection

THE ROYAL ENCYCLOPEDIA.

Resources used to research this episode:

Westminster Abbey - Official Site

The Official Site of the British Monarchy

Crown and Country: A Personal Guide to Royal London by Edward Wessex

Atlas of royal Britain

Two Centuries of Royal Weddings by Christopher Warwick

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday February 6, 2011 9:00PM EST (North America)

The topic will be: Should the Royal Family get jobs?