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SPECIAL FEATURE(Business World (Philippines) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)With all the prestige, dignity, and glamour it connotes, the word "royalty" evokes impressions of kings, queens, princes, and princesses living pompous, privileged, and to a certain extent, magical lives. But more than the lavish wardrobe and the jewels, much to be celebrated are their lives as political figures and influential leaders. The 80th natal day of the United Kingdom's (UK) Queen Elizabeth II, which falls on April 21, calls for a grandiose celebration as only fitting for someone of noble rank, as this marks decades of meaningful life and fruitful reign over one of the most powerful nations in the world. "The main thing this week is that she's 80, and that's quite an achievement," said British Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Beckingham. Indeed, the Queen has been a witness to a number of events that shaped the world, from the Great Depression to World War II, to the man's first landing on the moon, to the onset of the Digital Age. Her 54 years as Queen, being the second longest reign of a monarch in the world, saw 10 British prime ministers and made her the most travelled leader with 256 official overseas visits. To this day, the Queen is still fit, and recently she completed her 15th state visit to Australia. What could be the secret behind the Queen's long years as a monarch? While many would deem her life as a fairy tale, Queen Elizabeth II is foremost a public figure and leader. Beyond the glamour that surrounds her royal lineage, her responsibility to her people is the center of her life. Right from the start, Queen Elizabeth II was exposed to her responsibilities as a leader. Daughter to the Duke and Duchess of York (who were later named King George VI and Queen Elizabeth I), Queen Elizabeth II as Crown Princess would accompany her parents in various state visits and functions, where she was introduced to her duties as heir to the throne. She was even chosen to join the British military in 1945, although royalty were given honorary military titles. And although royalty celebrated their heyday in the 17th century, the role of monarchies in the modern times is still crucial. As the UK's head of state, the Queen is tasked to pass legislations, act on the advice of her ministers, and play various roles in the British Armed Forces and the Church of England. The Queen also does "royal walkabouts" in order to meet people from all walks of life. Aside from these, the Queen also serves the Head of The Commonwealth, an organization of 56 nations which were former British colonies. On top of all these responsibilities, the highlight of the Queen's reign is reflected in what the UK is today. "The Queen has kept Britain peaceful and united, has seen different political parties taking over the leadership and represented Britain overseas," Mr. Beckingham said when asked on the Queen's most notable achievement in the past years. As Her Majesty's 80th birthday marks a milestone year, there will be celebrations on both her "official birthday" on June 17 and her natal day tomorrow. Originally the idea of her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, special exhibitions of the Royal Collection have been arranged by the Queen. The exhibition of the Queen's gowns and jewelry is currently on display at the Buckingham Palace, while a photography exhibition illustrating her public and family life is ongoing at the Windsor Castle. Ten of the Royal Collection's artworks by Leonardo da Vinci will also be on tour in different museums and galleries across the UK until November. Tomorrow, the Queen will host a luncheon at the Buckingham Palace that will bring together other 80-year-olds whose birthdays coincide with hers. In the Philippines, Mr. Beckingham said that the British Embassy will host a simple party to be attended by 500 people to celebrate the occasion. Members of the British Army will stage musical performances to kick off and wrap up the party. "So that's a little bit special, which we'll have for the people here and Filipinos who have links to Britain. We'll enjoy and make it a bit memorable," he said. After all, the Queen's 80 wonderful years deserve such cheers from around the globe. |