Honouring Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II  1926-2022

Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8th 2022. I've been meaning to write a whole blog about her passing but I've been heartbroken ever since I heard the news. In the morning of September 8th I read that the Queen was under medical watch and that members of the royal family were flying out to be by her side. I knew that wasn't good and could only mean one thing.... I kept looking at the news for updates.  I was in the car when I heard of her passing and I couldn't stop crying. I rushed home to watch all of the news coverage and cried all over again. The Queen has been a  role model and constant for people around the world, myself included. I Loved the Queen since I was a little girl. I remember being around 10 and being in a bookstore with my parents and asking for a book about the Queen. I still have that book in my collection. Since then I've received gifts from the Buckingham palace shop for Christmas and Birthdays, like a trinket box from the coronation collection and one from the platinum Jubilee. Along with coins and currency.  No one can say she wasn't a dedicated monarch, she always put the Crown and her people first. When her father King George VI unexpectedly took the throne he was advised by royal advisors to maybe try for another child in hopes that it would be a boy, giving way for a future king. He replied that he had observed his eldest daughter and that she would be perfect as Queen. He was right. 

The Day of Queen Elizabeths Funeral 

Yesterday Queen Elizabeth II was put to rest. It was a sad day that came after 10 days of mourning.  My morning began at 4am, I turned on the TV to watch the coverage before the funeral (London is 5 hours ahead of Toronto and the funeral started at 11am, London Time) I watched the news coverage for the first hour while I got ready. I sat down on the couch at 5am to watch as people as they entered Westminister Abbey. Politicians and royal families from around the world gathered among with family members to put the Queen to rest. I had a black outfit laid out, a black sheer short sleeve blouse and a black wool skirt. It was a bit cold in the morning so I grabbed a black cardigan and I added my black flower mourning pin. I also wore my double pearl necklace to honour the Queen, Since she famously wore her pearl necklace with 3 strands (It was the closest I had). I also had my vintage black lace mourning scarf to put over my head. At 6am the funeral service began. 

The Funeral was one of the most spectacular things I've ever seen. Truly fit for a Queen. There is so much tradition and history deep routed in the entire ceremony. After the funeral was over I was looking at footage from King George VI (The Queens father) funeral and there were so many similarities. I can't even begin to imagine the honour it must feel for everyone involved, especially the boys selected to carry the coffin. But mostly my heart was with the Queen and the Royal Family. They not only lost their Queen but also their mother, Grandmother, great grandmother. King Charles looked distraught at the end of the service. It must be really hard for the royal family to put on a brave face because the whole world is watching. It was also nice to see Prince George and Princess Charlotte in attendance to honour their great grandmother. Princess Charlotte was wearing a horseshoe brooch gifted to her by the Queen. 

 Family Breakfast to honour Queen Elizabeth II 

I had a family breakfast with my Parents and my sister to hour the Queen, My mom also brought a guest... let me know if you spot him in one of the photos below lol.  While the procession was going on (Which was spectacular) I made some scones! They turned out amazing and it was nice to gather around as a family to watch the rest of the funeral service together. I brought out one of my tea cups, which I love but never use because I don't like tea... sorry. So I drank my coffee from it instead lol. I also put some white flowers (mums I believe) as a centerpiece on the table along with some greenery. I tried to keep it light and simple, yet elegant for breakfast.   

Signing The Book of Condolences

Before I wrap up this post I also wanted to mention that I went to sign the Book of Condolences for the Queen on Wednesday September 13th. I know the royal family will never see my message but I wanted to sign it and write a little message anyway. I went really early thinking there would be a big line... I arrive and I got a parking spot right by the door "must be my lucky day!". I didn't see a line outside, I walk in and its empty. I had to ask information where the book was, it was in the back corner behind a column. It was a nice and simple display with flags and white flowers. There were two thin books and they had about 10-15 messages each. I was a little sad to see it so empty.... I suppose most people opted to sign it online ? 

Final Thoughts

The flags looked amazing while the procession went down the middle of the street, it was truly a  magnificent sight. I was also proud that the Canadian mounties were asked to lead the procession. Canada is part of the commonwealth, thats why we have such strong ties to the Queen and the Royal Family. I spent the rest of the day watching all the documentaries and specials that they played on TV after the second service. I'll be looking at the selection Netflix and Amazon prime  has during the week. I love looking at footage and photos from when the Queen was little, there is something about that time period  and the way the film looks that really inspires me,  I've used it as inspiration for some of my own work. I have so much respect for everything she's endured during her reign, she was a symbol of endurance and stability. Not to mention we all saw her as a grandmother figure....with amazing style!  I still can't believe she's gone... it really is the end of an era. God save the Queen.