Queen Elizabeth II

 I suppose I should put down some thoughts about last week's passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

On one hand, she was beloved by millions,  a calm matronly center of a world often seeming to be spinning out of control.

On the other hand, she was seen as a relic of an outdated system, a monarchy no longer needed or wanted.

Whatever one's views of the monarchy, it's my perspective that since it exists and someone has to be at the top as king or queen, Elizabeth II was a good person trying to make the most of a situation she did not seek out or want.

She only became Queen when her father the King died. And her father was King only because his brother abdicated to be with his girlfriend.  

What I know of Queen Elizabeth II (and not just from episodes of The Crown), she ruled with compassion even if she wasn't always certain how to express that. She sought to rule fairly within the conventions set forth by law and tradition, even if such "fairness" might cause pain for her family such as her sister or her children. 

From what I know of Queen Elizabeth II, her goal in every situation was to do the right thing although alas the outcome did not always align with that goal.

Which only goes show that Queen Elizabeth II was only human after all.   

So what of the monarchy? Even under questions of it's relevance, value and it's legacy, the monarchy has endured for these many decades out of affection and respect for Queen Elizabeth II.  

That may all change with King Charles III.  

Which is a weird thing to type: King Charles III. 

Billions of people were born into a world where Queen Elizabeth II was the head of the British monarchy and never knowing anyone else in that role.

History has changed in ways perhaps more fundamental than the passing of the crown from her head to that of her son.  

Floral tributes to Queen Elizabeth in Ballater, Scotland

And just in case you think I'm taking this way too seriously for someone who is not a resident of the United Kingdom or the Commonwealth, here is the updated Royal Line of Succession for the House of Windsor.