In New York on Monday, July 5th, we were honored with two special arrivals.
First was 103 degree temperature, which made the asphalt bubble, the hair frizz and the ladies’ makeup melt. The second was that of the Queen of England looking just…blooming in her housedress with a large-scale floral print and matching hat, white gloves and very sensible shoes. She spoke in front of the United Nations and she was closely watched by Anna Wintour of Vogue for style tips for the next issue.
PS She didn’t sweat. Queen Elizabeth didn’t even glow!
#1 by LuxuriousLife on July 8, 2010 - 4:34 pm
The one thing that can be said of The Queen of England’s style is that she is true to it!! Hasn’t changed a thing in years!!
#2 by Gary Nelling on July 8, 2010 - 6:03 pm
Vicente – Thanks for a bit of comic relief on a hot day. Having watched several episodes of The Tudors about Henry VIII’s life, it is comforting to think that Britain evolved from the rule of kings and queens who would take off heads over differences of religious opinion, to the rule of a queen who doesn’t rule at all, but is everyone’s symbolic grandmum. Hail Britannia with marmalade and jam!
I just read that in this time of economic stress, Parliament is about to deny the Queen part of the tens of millions per year that it takes to support her houses, handmaidens, hats and handbags. Hard times come again no more! – Gary
#3 by Christa Pirl on July 8, 2010 - 7:00 pm
As an Anglophile, I take a bit of offense to the gentle mocking of England’s Queen! OK, so she is not Vogue material, but I think she is truely old-school royalty, something that is very lacking in Europe these days. She is modest and refined, and does not run around in ridiculous outfits just for the press!
#4 by Gary Nelling on July 9, 2010 - 1:23 am
Christa – I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings by joining in the romp. As someone of part English heritage who is married to a Scots-American, I thought I was on safe ground making fun of our own. But isn’t the fine old British tradition of poking fun at the monarchy, which dates back to the Beatles and Gilbert & Sullivan, really about the institution and not the individuals? Isn’t the issue for the English whether British history is best served by having symbolic powerless monarchs instead of displaying their robes and crowns in museums? No one would approve of the Queen strolling around in the robes of Elizabeth I, but would anyone recognize the poor old Queen Mum in her house dress if she were standing at a bus stop? – Gary
#5 by Richard, England. on July 9, 2010 - 10:27 am
Gary-She’s 84 for Heaven’s sake! Soon to be a great-grandmon. Give her a break!
#6 by Richard, England. on July 9, 2010 - 11:10 am
PS. For sure she looks better in a housecoat than you do!
#7 by Gary Nelling on July 9, 2010 - 2:54 pm
Hahahahaha! Touche Richard! I am disarmed!
But please understand my point was that no one here, nor any entertainer like the Beatles, Monty Python, Dudley Moore, Beyond The Fringe etc in my opinion has borne any personal ill will toward the British royal family when they spoofed them. I’ve always thought it was about illustrating the awkwardness of continuing a monarchy in a democratic era.
The royal I like most is the one most people seem to like least; Prince Charles, who wrote a great book in defense of traditional architecture, and though I only slightly agreed, I was impressed by his research and passion. Anyway, I’m an American and don’t have a dog in this foxhunt, and I hope I haven’t ruffled any other collars! LOL I hope! – Gary