Even as someone whose every move was scrutinised, Queen Elizabeth lived her full life as her authentic self.
As we reflect on what was the most remarkable week in British constitutional life – two Prime ministers and two monarchs – it’s probably safe to say none of us will ever live to see such historic happenings again.
And that’s probably all the more reason to join in the musings of all the great and the good – and the refreshingly down to earth ordinary – about what we can all learn from recent events and what now lies ahead.
Whatever your political or monarchist leanings, the fact is Queen Elizabeth II was a great world leader. Since her death was announced, from the hours of interviews and reels of contemplations, there has not been a single dissenting voice on that aspect of her life and legacy.
Her leadership skills were on show in abundance every time she graced our screens and ceremonies, and now, we discover, in every behind the scenes encounter, audience or informal gathering on any one of her estates.
Generous of time and spirit, hardworking, willingness to see the good in everyone, subtle yet decisive with an innate ability to make all those in her presence feel comfortable – and a twinkle in her eye complementing a razor sharp wit…the list goes on.
Her much aired coming of age speech on her 21st birthday, when she famously devoted herself to a life of service, was her choice. That decision was hers alone, not forced, but driven by her core values. It summed up who she was and she ensured throughout her record-breaking 70-year reign, she remained true to that promise in everything she did or said.
Even as someone whose every move was scrutinised, Queen Elizabeth lived her full life as her authentic self.
She was the sum of all those parts of her character and, depending on the occasion, one or more of those characteristics came to the fore entirely appropriately.
Of course, she applied necessary filters according to the circumstances she found herself in – another vital leadership skill, I’m sure you’ll agree – but her values defined her and you only have to switch on the TV, pick up a newspaper or scroll through any social media feed to see the respect they commanded the world over.
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Image from www.policyexchange.org.uk
Rewind the clock to just 48 hours before the Queen’s death and consider two other leaders – one exiting stage left and the other assuming a centre stage role (although at the time she could have had no inkling of the magnitude of the public profile she was about to adopt leading a nation in mourning).
Like chalk and cheese, some would say – Liz Truss under the spotlight for her faltering presentation skills, labelled by many voters as boring but representing the masses as a normal mum of two with all common frailties (she had, after all, run the media gauntlet some years ago when an affair was exposed) – and Boris, whose farewell speech featured no tears, a nod to Latin history and jokes to the end as he signed off comparing his Party’s divisions to his dog Dylan and the Downing Street resident cat Larry’s differences.
Love them or loathe them (and I’ve made my views on politicians as a breed very clear repeatedly on this platform), you have to hand it to them, they have reached those lofty heights as their authentic selves. Indeed, history may show that it was actually Boris’s authenticity that was his downfall as he omitted those all important filters and lived life in Number 10 as he had his Eton and Oxford student days.
But what you see is what you get and what is clear as crystal is that neither could pretend to be the other’s personality.
Yes, it’s easier to be yourself than faking it – and in a leadership role of any description, the chances are it’s only a matter of time before you’re outed as an actor – but effective filters are essential. Imagine if we all said what we really thought all the time?!
Airs and graces need dusting off and using when the need arises – PM Truss has some serious backtracking to do having been vociferous in her younger years in calling for the abolition of the monarchy before being the last public figure to meet the Queen, the first to meet the new King and steering a bereaved nation through its extended period of mourning.
Many of us will be feeling a little lost and rudderless right now with such a sense of upheaval in our country. But remember, that’s OK. Own it. Stay true to your values, don’t compromise on the things that really matter to you and you will continue to write the next successful chapter of your life.
* I was lucky enough to meet the queen once. It was while I was campaigning for rail safety and was very much in the public eye and got invited to one of her garden parties. Me, along with a lot of other lucky individuals who worked tirelessly for their communities, of course.
I remember it was a glorious day with tea served in exquisite porcelain and teeny tiny cucumber sandwiches (crusts cut off) and cakes.
The Queen and Prince Philip made a point of coming out to greet and speak to us almost on an individual basis.
I’m not a raving Monarchist (though always admired the Queen considering the times when she came to the throne) but I was quite blown away by her. I could never get over how tiny she was either – I’m only 5’2” but felt I towered over her – and her manners when she spoke with you were exquisite (she’d obviously done her homework).
I even got to use one of the Buckingham House toilets which was a sight and experience in itself…!
Photo by Mathew Browne on Unsplash
Generous of time and spirit, hardworking, willingness to see the good in everyone, subtle yet decisive with an innate ability to make all those in her presence feel comfortable – and a twinkle in her eye complementing a razor sharp wit…the list goes on.
