An event full of protocol. The Colour, (the flag) which feature in the old stories representing the heart of a regiment, men died protecting it from falling into the hands of the enemy.
As the raucous commands from the regimental Sargent Major are shouted out over the parade ground the resplendent troops wheel and shuffle their manoeuvres to the sound of the drum. Precision and discipline are the criteria by which any army worth its salt is known and these Guards Regiments on drill today are the best we have.
Watching the Queen inspecting the troops from her coach as she is driven past the lines of men ones mind is taken back to a young woman sitting side saddle on her horse fulfilling the role back in the 50s. Ramrod straight she epitomised her class and breeding, doing a job which had been thrust upon her by the death of her Father (1952), she seemed too young to have to shoulder the responsibility but we didn't know then the steel of this woman. Now just short of 90 she is still up for the job.
Watching the parade flanked by her husband Prince Philip (94), her indefatigable consort, the two of them representing the "old school", a breed which, through the family and links to the other monarchs in Europe represented Noblesse Oblige a concept that 'entitlement' carried responsibility to all, and was supposed to ensure through honourable behaviour and benevolence that a ruler would generate the respect of the nation.
There are many more Republicans these days, (people who think the monarchy is an anachronism and should be abolished) than when she came to the throne but it's not due to any failing on her part as she played the role handed her impeccably.
Today she does it again and whilst we may soon be witnessing the end of the Pomp and Circumstance which ordinary people in the past were once dazzled by but who now, much more sceptical of the divisions in society, may wish to bring it all to an end, not with the guillotine but an Act of Parliament.!
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