Though not a royalist, I acknowledge my own inconsistency, as in 2012 I was elected a Fellow of a Royal Society. Go figure ... We are all mixed up in different ways.
And though not a royalist—philosophically I disagree with most things the aristocracy stand for, inherited privilege and wealth, entitlement, and the rest—I am in awe of the Queen. By all accounts, HM Queen Elizabeth II has lived an exemplary life of service to her country and commonwealth. Given the brevity of human life, it is likely that she will not be with us for much longer, and the world will be the poorer for her passing. She has stood as a contrast to the grubbiness of the contemporary political class of all parties and persuasions—witness the Brexit fiasco with the upcoming general election, and the ongoing machinations of the US Presidency and Congress. Public service is in disarray, at least in its public face.
The Church of England's Collect (a summary prayer) for Remembrance Sunday petitions, "bring the families of the nations, divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin, to be subject to [Christ's] just and gentle rule."
A just and gentle rule. Now there's a thought; two thoughts actually: a society governed by justice as fairness for all that is administered by gentleness. It's the wish dream of the Church of England on this Sunday. It might well be an impossible dream. Imagine a general election characterized by fairness and gentleness. Equally, what of an impeachment process governed by fairness and gentleness. It's a stretch. It just doesn't work that way.
Perhaps not. But what if in my life I take "to rule is to serve" as a watchword; to act with fairness and gentleness in all my interactions. Then the world will be a little better and some lives will be enriched.
Serve well,
+Ab. Andy