SimplyAbuDhabi XLI

Balancing the public and private personas During the 70 years of her reign, Queen Elizabeth was arguably the most famous and recognized person in the world. While her public persona was seen on everything from currency and postage stamps to tea towels and commemorative portraits, she remained an intensely private person. Despite being in the sometimes-glaring spotlight, her connection to her family was unshakable. For most of her life she reigned as one of the few female monarchs in the world, all the while raising four children in addition to undertaking her duties as Queen. Later, she welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the Royal Family. She doted on her Corgi dogs and loved spending time in the great outdoors of Scotland. In her devotion as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she was no doubt an inspiration to families in Great Britain and beyond. Notably, the Queen was always supported by her husband, The Duke of Edinburgh, who accompanied her on visits in the UK and overseas, and was by her side for all of her ceremonial duties, from the State Opening of Parliament to State Visits and annual Remembrance events. The Duke of Edinburgh was – in her own words – her ‘strength and stay’ during her reign. Indeed, few of us will ever forget the heart-breaking image of Her Majesty at the funeral of her husband of 73 years. Other members of the Royal Family also offered vital support through their work in the UK and overseas, including accompanying her on many engagements and tours or performing duties on her behalf. In her later years, her eldest son, Charles, The Prince of Wales – who now succeeds her as Monarch – accompanied her to the State Opening of Parliament and Commonwealth Heads of Government meetings. During her Golden Jubilee year (2002), the Queen thanked her family for their support, saying: “Our children, and all my family, have given me such love and unstinting help over the years.” And twenty years later, we could say the same as we bid goodbye to the Queen who led us for all our lives, and our parents’ lives, and our grandparents’ lives. The Queen who connected generations in a way no one else ever had or likely ever will again. The Queen who stood steadfast in her devotion to duty, to tradition, to family, and to her faith. A role model to us all and a leader who will be dearly missed. Simply Abu Dhabi | 87