Diamond Jubilee

Being something of an Anglophile, I would be remiss if I didn't make sure that everyone heard about this: This past Monday (Feb. the 5th) marks the 60th anniversary of the day that Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor became "Her Majesty Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland and the British Dominions beyond the seas Queen, Defender of the Faith." This 60th anniversary of Her Majesty's coming to the throne is celebrated as her Diamond Jubilee year. Elizabeth becomes only the second monarch to reign 60 years (Queen Victoria, the "Widow of Windsor," being the other - who reigned 63 years).

The British and Commonwealth nations have celebrations planned throughout the year, especially this summer, and The Church of England is circulating a prayer for the Queen in celebration of this jubilee.

Her first prime minister to work with upon becoming Queen was Winston Churchill (!), and for sixty years Elizabeth II has stood as a symbol of stability, continuity, traditional piety, and diligent grace in a tumultuous and often uncertain world; the British peoples are right to be proud of her.

The USA Today has a really nice article about this milestone and the Queen's impact: while there may be numerous monarchs around the world, in our cultural imagination there is only one Queen. God save the Queen, and all the people whom she represents.