Queen for a Day

 

Queen for a Day

            It was a week before my 30^th birthday when I met Queen Elizabeth and since this year is her diamond jubilee I figured this would be a good time to share this moment in my life. I wasn’t invited to tea or for some kind of political dinner.  I met Her Majesty at a walk about, that’s a meet and great kind of thing when royals meet their subjects. I was with my best friend Gale and we were in Victoria BC.

            The town was going crazy decorating everything British/Canadian.  So we asked a store clerk what was happening.  The woman behind the counter let us know the Queen was coming the following day and Victoria was putting on the Ritz. The clerk also gave us a few tips on how we could see Her Majesty face to face. 

            Early the next morning we both bought bouquets of flowers (tip #1 have flowers she always says hello to people with flowers).  Planted ourselves early that morning (tip #2 go early) in front of camera’s (tip #3 it’s a good photo op so she stops longer).  Gale and I were ready.

            While we waited we met others (a retired couple and a cute American guy).  I don’t remember their names except I do remember one elderly lady named Amy.  She had to take two buses to see her queen.  Amy was fragile and we all felt protective of her as others tried to cut in front (tip #4 do not let anyone go between you and the barrier). 

            We knew Queen Elizabeth had arrived when we heard cheers from the crowd, way down the line.  Finally we saw a sea of hats and knew she was near.  We jockeyed for position as we were not going to miss this opportunity.  I was going over everything in my head that was protocol.  The Canadians that waited with us made sure Gale and I knew the proper way to treat their Queen.  First you cannot grab, reach out or touch her before she reaches for you. You have to wait for her to speak to you before you speak and you must call her Your Majesty and bow. 

            That was tough for a dumb American to remember.  She was approaching fast as flowers flew from her hands to her ladies in waiting.  I noticed that in their excitement the crowd was not doing very well with protocol, they reached, touched and didn’t wait for her to speak first.  I was not going to mess this up.  Suddenly she was before me, our eyes locked.  I waited for her to say something but I think she was surprised that I didn’t lunge or blurt out a rambling speech.  Time seem to stand still as I took a close look at her aged face, she was beautiful.  The lines around her eyes and the pink glow of her cheeks told a story of strength and great perseverance.

            I was standing in front of one of the most influential woman of our time.  She is in history books and the one thing that came to mind was how she has handled her life with such dignity.

            She smiled, I smiled. She then spoke, “Oh, how very nice, thank you.” Her British voice pitched higher at the word “you.”  How many times had this woman said this to a complete stranger?  Yet she made me feel it was the first time and I was the only one with flowers.  I did not lunge toward her, we had an awkward moment.  She reached out her gloved hand and I gave her the flowers and said, “Thank you, your majesty,” she went as fast as she came.

            I have been around many queens in my time, from beauty queens (my sister was Miss Utah) to Drag Queen’s to me being a Homecoming Queen.  Something happens to you when you put on that tiara.  I watched my sister handle herself with such grace as she spoke to every little girl fulfilling their dreams.  Drag Queens walking in a way no man walked but they felt beautiful.  Even my experience in high school molded me.  I was sure it was a joke and thought everyone would laugh or boo when my name was announced.  But they didn’t, I was honored they picked me and tried my best to represent my school.

            So here is a thought, if when you are acting as royalty you watch what you say and do knowing that someone is watching you, much like I watched Queen Elizabeth and took her cues.  She is born of royal blood and maybe we think we are not, but we are (sorry I’m puttin’ in a little religion) if we are created in God’s image and Lord is King then aren’t we all royalty?  So ladies, put on those heals men tighten that tie and don’t forget to put on that imaginary crown.  Chin up and smile and when things are tough do what the British do get that stiff upper lip and go on. Show the world what you are capable of. 

            It doesn’t matter if you’re not a real queen, a drag queen or queen for a day we are all royalty so go out and act dignified…Tea anyone?

                         Queen Elizabeth, me with the camera, Gale and Cute American Guy  

                       This picture appeared on the front page of many Canadian newspapers   



I’m all ready for the Queen

with my flowers and British
and Canadian flags.  Amy
is sitting on the chair with
an umbrella.  There was over
50 years between us but we
had a lot in common.  Amy
had a charming since of
humor and she was so kind.     

           
              My sistah! Miss Utah ‘82

             

Halloween & Hollywood ‘90’s
I wore a shawl but noticed
a hand full of
Drag Queen’s said I
did a wonderful job.
One even wanted
to know who my plastic surgeon was. So I threw off the cover to expose that I was born this way, but this guy beats me out on those amazing legs.

My father escorts me off the field at the Homecoming  
game. I was a nervous Nelly and he was a proud Papa