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Forever Yo UR FIFTY-FIVE PLUS W SOURCE Jest a Moment: Royal humour By Nick Thomas Writer Nick th royal humour of Queen Elizabeth Il, her husband, and her successor and speculates on other lost opportunities at regal fun. e closest | ever came to royalty was hold- ing four kings in a game of poker. But as a child growing up in a Commonwealth country in the early ‘60s before moving to the US, we were dutifully required to sing “God Save the Queen” during formal school assemblies. Like so many others, | was deeply saddened to see the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September. Since then, many commentators have reminisced about the queen, including tales of her delightful sense of humour, which was suitably subtle given her stature. When once asked if she kept a diary and writes it in her own hand, she wryly responded, “Oh yes, | can't write any other way” Throughout the centuries, however, British sovereigns haven't always displayed an overt sense of humour, which is a shame because there were surely opportunities to act the mis- chievous monarch. For instance, when Queen Elizabeth | was informed in 1588 that the Spanish armada was advancing across the channel, how delightful if she had summoned Sir Francis Drake and playfully suggested, “Drakey, board the invad- ing fleet and hand out haggis and black pud- dings to the sailors, informing them they are our national dishes. They'll turn tail and never return” Or what about when counselors to Henry VIll raised the issue of marital difficulties with his second wife? The king could have declared, “Another divorce? There must be a quicker way." Then there was Charles I who had little to laugh about. Not only was the poor fellow confronted with a Dutch war, but he reigned during the Great Plague of London in 1665 and then, the following year, the Great Fire of London. ‘Im expecting good news,’ the king could have proclaimed. “Perhaps one day they'll name a spaniel after me” Queen Elizabeth || wasn't the only member of the contemporary royal family to display a grand sense of humour. Her husband, the late Prince Phillip, was a royal wit even in his declin- ing years. After the 2017 announcement of his pending retirement from official duties, he was approached at a function by a man who remarked “Im sorry to hear youte standing down’'To which the prince responded, “Well, | can't stand up much longer” King Charles Ill appears to have inherited his parents’ sense of humour. During a trip to Rwanda in June and finding himself sur- rounded by bamboo trees during one out- ing, then-Prince Charles couldn't resist: “I feel slightly bamboozled’ In his younger days, the prince even attempted to breakdance, jok- ingly wrestled with bagpipes, briefly assumed the role of a TV weatherman, and cheerfully donned all manner of silly hats in public. Queen Elizabeth II will be a hard act to fol- low. In 1986, when a rowdy protester tossed a few eggs at the queen during a trip to New Zealand, she apparently later remarked“| myself prefer my New Zealand eggs for breakfast” Her Majesty, of course, was frequently called Z upon in distressing times to deliver reassuring % ES messages to help her nation, and indeed the 5 world, heal. If turnabout is fair play, then the 3 queen's own sober words after the passing of & Princess Diana should resonate with all who 2 loved Elizabeth: “No one who knew Diana will § ever forget her. Millions of others who never met her, but felt they knew her, will remember her’ The queen's final journey from London's Westminster Hall to her burial site at Windsor Castle was an extraordinary event - a digni- fied display of British pomp and pageantry - witnessed by a million-strong crowd that turned out to collectively honor their beloved monarch. Many of us watching the broadcast from afar shared their grief, knowing that none would formally chant the regal refrain of “God Save the Queen/’ever again. ick Thomas has written features, columns, and interviews here, there and everywhere for magazines and newspapers. See www.getnicktorg. | SiH voweH - dal euL | LL Living. Giving. Georgetown Hospital Fou i ion Living. Giving. Caring. en Help us, help you. Your support ensures our staff and physicians are prepared to provide you with the best care possible. dyton cf lL ro THEATRE SCAN VISIT THE WEBSITE! Si Music, Mirth, and Memories of the War Years Conceived & Directed by Alex Mustakas COMING SOON TO THE WATERLOO REGION A Comedy of Unlikely Friendship tole Biekelawy) ST. JACOBS COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE Musical Arrangements & Music Direction by im Hodgkinson kas ‘Choreographed by Jackle Mustal SEPT 28 TO DEC 3 ST. JACOBS SCHOOLHOUSE THEATRE How Sweet the Sounds OCT 27 TO NOV 12 HAMILTON FAMILY THEATRE CAMBRIDGE