She Was The Only Queen We Ever Knew

September 8th, 2022, started like any other morning for me in London. I had planned to visit a couple of churches and take some pictures and possibly take care of a legal errand in the afternoon. I got to the two churches and returned to my flat to change because the tube had been very warm. I had the TV on and was watching the news when Huw Edwards, one of the BBC’s most distinguished news readers and reporters, completed an update on the Queen’s health and his face gave the news before the words came out of his mouth. “Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth had died at Balmoral Castle”. For the first time in 70 years the words, “the King and the Queen Consort” were spoken with regard to Britain’s reigning sovereign and spouse. Operation London Bridge, the long discussed and oft revised plan for this eventuality had begun.

Like the majority of people in the UK and the Commonwealth, this American blogger assumed that Her Late Majesty, as the reports began referring to her, would have lived to at least 100, and probably outlive her mother who died just months short of her 102nd birthday. But it was not to be. Many of us had been shocked to see how frail the Queen had looked a few days before her death when she had received the outgoing and incoming British Prime Ministers at Balmoral. But both had commented about how sharp and engaged she was, so everyone just assumed that all was better than it was.

And so, a stunned United Kingdom, the British Overseas Territories, the Crown Dependencies, the sovereign states where she remained Head of State, and many of the Commonwealth nations that continue to hold her in high esteem, began to mourn the loss of this remarkable woman who on her twenty first birthday made a speech that included these words: “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.” While the empire is long gone, the Queen did devote her life to the service of the citizens of the UK and of the countries of the former empire.

Almost immediately, the floral tributes began to arrive at Balmoral, Windsor Palace, just outside London, and at Buckingham Palace. The first bouquets arrived at Balmoral before the Queen’s younger children and grandchildren did. Only King Charles and Princess Anne, the Princess Royal were with the Queen when she died. By the second day after the Queen’s death, the decision was made to move the flowers from Buckingham Palace at the end of each day to Green Park, a huge park adjacent to Buckingham Palace and St. James’ Palace. The sheer number of bouquets, Paddington bears, notes, cards, children’s drawings, flags from organizations she was a patron for, were staggering, yet touching and beautiful.

Over the days following the Queen’s death, two parallel processes were happening, the installation, for lack of a better word, of the new sovereign and the official mourning process and funeral of the Queen.

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy. While Prince Charles immediately ascended to the title of King and ceased being Prince of Wales, upon his mother’s death, there are numerous legal steps that had to be taken to formalize his role as head of state of the United Kingdom. Most governmental power resides in the UK Parliament and in the devolved parliaments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for certain local matters. But the sovereign serves as the symbol of the State and as the leader who is above politics can give advice to the Prime Minister and can, as the Queen did for 70 years, and as her father, King George VI did during World War II. In the United Kingdom, the sovereign, is also Governor General of the Church of England and has the title of Protector of the Faith. But not in Scotland. History going back to the time of the union of England and Scotland in 1707. The Scottish Presbyterian Church is independent. Therefore, days after his mother’s death, at another political process unique to the United Kingdom, the Accession Council, the King signed a document guaranteeing the continued freedom of the Scottish church. His formal coronation will not take place for months.

The UK, with a new Prime Minister, faces a very dangerous winter because of potential heating fuel shortage. Because King Charles is an ardent environmentalist and, at 74 years old, he has been at his mother’s side for many years. He knows many of the energy executives and the international leaders who the political leaders with have to work with to resolve the problems they face. He could provide valuable advice to his new Prime Minister. This can be the strength of a constitutional monarchy, the stability that the sovereign provides.

I have British friends who would like to see the UK become a republic, but few of them can tell me how they would like to see it happen. I do not find that hard to understand because I believe it would be a process akin to the United States trying to fix our legislative system or our electoral system. Each system is intertwined with the historical fabric of our way of life and our governmental structure. I have American friends too, who think it is all a bit archaic and a waste of time and money. I like to remind my American friends that it was only some thirty years ago that an American politician whose party had not been able to gain a majority in the Congress created a false “gridlock” to gain the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives, in an attempt to turn the US into a parliamentary democracy. Instead, he managed to destroy a successful system of bipartisan cooperation that had helped make America a successful economic power that had gone to the moon and made progress on intractable social problems. Look at where that “contract ‘on’ America” has left us today.

The formal mourning and funeral process that took place must have been extremely difficult for all the Royal Family, but especially for the King and Queen Consort. King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Queen Consort travelled, not only back to London, but then made trips to the Welsh, Northern Irish, and Scottish capitals to show each constituent country of the United Kingdom his respect and to thank them for their support and love for the Queen. In addition, the King, with his consort by his side, was carrying the procedural duties I mentioned above. I will assume that most readers saw the incredible stories of the lines that thousands of people queued in to walk past the Queen’s coffin, first in Edinburgh, then in London, where the lines were many miles long and lasted over 21 hours in some cases. The rich and famous, like former Prime Minister Theresa May and football star Davide Beckham queued alongside ordinary citizens. The scenes in Westminster Hall where the Queen’s children and later her grandchildren stood vigil around her coffin touched every heart. Of course, the religious ceremonies and the processions were profoundly moving. The armed forces of Great Britain pledged an oath to serve the Queen, as we in the American Civil Service and Armed Forces pledge an oath to uphold our Constitution and laws. I know how deeply such an oath becomes a part of one’s soul and I understand the emotion and care that soldiers, young and old took in being part of this process.

Let me close this segment by saying that Queen Elizabeth should be looked at for the way she carried out her responsibilities as head of state and head of the Commonwealth. She lived her life guided by her faith. I admired her. Rest in Peace.

An Autumn Week-London at it’s Best

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Had it not been such a beautiful fay in Tavistock Park, I might have been.

Early Autumn is a great time in London. The weather is still warm. The crush of summer visitors has ended, and students have returned to school in the UK. Still, it is vacation/holiday time for Italians and Spanish and the fairly constant flow of the French via the Eurostar continues. University students from the UK and the world populate my Bloomsbury neighborhood. My daily travels on foot, Tube and bus are filled with bits of overheard conversation in the languages of the world. Long late afternoon chats with friends bring afternoons to a happy close.

The Wigmore Hall Concert Series Begins

Each year, I look forward to the return of the Wigmore Hall concerts on Sunday mornings and Monday afternoon. The matching bouquets on each side of the stage always set a mood of peace for the concerts. In the Spring, I choose the ones I will attend and by September, I am completely surprised by each concert that I attend. The first one was a wonderful trio of musicians called “Trio Zadig.”

Their selections included works by Lili Boulanger, Robert Schumann, and Felix Mendelssohn. They also gave, an encore from Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.”

A Return Visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum

My first visit to the V&A in South Kensington had been a brief one and there were several exhibits I wanted to see. The one at the top of my list was closed for the day, but trying to find the room where it was held turned into one of my typical “it’s got to be here challenges that left me questioning my sanity until a kind docent explained the unanticipated closure. I’ll return to see that exhibit later.

Along the Way at the V&A

As I sought out the exhibits I had come to see, as always at the V&A, I came across some interesting things.

The lions came from Denmark where I will be next month. I was quite surprised to see them. Aren’t the stained glass windows lovely. They preceded a gallery of religious objects I’ll discuss shortly. Finally, two shots of the Cast Galleries, which are my favorites.

As I mentioned, I stumbled on a gallery of religious objects.

They went from the sublime to the downright strange. The first photo were some stunning examples of items described as “Modern Judaica in Britain. The Second was a depiction of a Christian cross made from Coca Cola cans. The question was whether it could be considered a religious object. To be clear, there were many other beautiful Christian and other religions.

Lasting Impressions-Women Print Makers 1900-Now

Finally found one of the exhibitions I was looking for.

Mary Ann Sloan “Artist Working at Her Pree

What an interesting selection of prints made by women from the pre-suffrage era through recent times.

Views of Glasgow

If you have never visited Glasgow, put it on your list. It is a vibrant, interesting city with museums, architecture, universities and centuries of Glaswegian culture. These few examples from the exhibition were not what I expected but did put me in mind of the city and makes me eager to return.

Saint Pancras Crypt

Saint Pancras New Church is a Greek Revival style building. It can be seen throughout the venerable building. No better example can be observed than the statuary above the entrance to the Crypt.

The statues, when they arrived on site were found to be too large to fit into the space. So, a bit was trimmed from their middles, making some believe that these ladies looked a bit dowdy. They are impressive.

The accessible part of the crypt is empty. Local artists are permitted to display their works in the crypt. Deeper inside the crypt, remains from long ago are left undisturbed in an inaccessible part of the underground facility.

Prior to the crypt tour, another of the wonderful bi-weekly concerts was held.

And An Autumn Week Ends

Just a note, I am having a bit of trouble with the transfer of photos on my computer, so much of this blog had to be written on my Android phone. So, I may take a bit extra time to get these next blogs out.

A Little Bit of Everything I Like

Arcadia at the Duke of York’s Theatre

Tom Stoppard created this incredible story of events at an English manor house in the early 19th century and then superimposes an attempt by various experts in archeology and history to determined what actually happened. The audience has the benefit of having “observed” the historic events and thus can simply laugh or shake our heads at the misinterpretations of the current day “experts.” Stoppard is a wonderful storyteller, managing to weave Lord Byron and Lady Caroline Lamb into the story in a way that thoroughly befuddles the latter day experts.

Old Favorite with New Reasons to Visit

On a Thursday afternoon, I was heading towards the Wellcome Collection, when I decided to stop at Saint Pancras New Church. To my surprise, a concert was taking place there.

To my delight, I learned that these concerts, by talented local advanced degree students, took place every Tuesday and Thursday. I have been back for two more, since.

The Wellcome Collection Helps Us See Aging Through Different Eyes

Another favorite local venue is the Wellcome Collection. It is just a short walk from Saint Pancras New Church and is also convenient to Euston Intercity Rail and Underground Station. I went to visit their exhibition on aging around the world and met two delightful gents, a fellow and his carer (or aid, as we would say in America) at the Wellcome Cafe where I stopped for a coffee. We had a nice chat before I went on to the exhibition.

Walking Cane belonging to Charles Darwin

I travelled through this exhibit and thought about life, my life, growing older, the joys of living a full life, the things that lay ahead, and most importantly, staying connected and making new connections. I was reminded of the words of the late American basketball coach, Jim Valvano, who, while fighting an incurable cancer gave this advice, “don’t give up, don’t ever give up.” I think that encapsulates how I felt after visiting this exhibition

The Tate Modern-Annoying but Unmissable

I love the Tate museums, but the Tate Modern always seems to be ina state of flux. I can’t find my “old favorites” but I’ll find something new and delightful. It also has a great Members Cafe overlooking the River Thames and Saint Paul’s Cathedral that always makes a visit worthwhile

Another Sunny Day at Craven Cottage (Another Fulham Loss-Showing Progress)

The All Whites got off to a better start than Transport for London (TFL), the group that runs the busses and trains. They did not mention that the maintenance would close down the only way fans could reach Fulham’s home, Craven Cottage. There was complete chaos outside the Earls Court Tube Station as hundreds of fans tried to find seats on the insufficient “replacement bus service.” After Fulham’s loss, the “fun” continued, as fans and opponents alike, crowded on to buses to try to make connections. I did meet a nice lady from South London and a visitor from Canada on the sweltering bus ride, though.

Winston Churchill-Artist At The Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection is a delightful small museum with a wonderful mixture of paintings, furniture, ceramics, weaponry and armor in what was once the home of the Marquesses of Hertford, Hertford House. I visited to see an impressive collection of the paintings of Britain’s wartime Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.

Sorry, I do not identify more of the pictures. I was pleased to see the picture of Igham Mote, a stately home I have visited with my dear friends Nigel and his (late) wife Gwynne Grant.

As noted above, there is quite an eclectic collection at the Wallace, below are a few more pieces.

September 11, 2026 – The Weiner Holocaust Library

As September 11th dawned, I found myself gripped by the melancholy of the 25th anniversary of the unspeakable acts of terror visited upon the United States that dreadful day. It felt wrong to go about the day, as normal, so I chose, instead to visit a place that reminds us of the cruelty our world survived over 50 years before 9/11/2001. I visited the latest exhibition at the Weiner Holocaust Library in Russell Square London. This exhibit detailed Nazi Slave Labor which became a more and more important source of labor as the German war machine faltered.

Let us all hope and pray, even after Yugoslavia, Rwanda, and all the other atrocities the world has survived since World War II, that we can truly say with conviction, “Never Again”.

ANOTHER SOJOURN BEGINS

A month has passed since I arrived in London. This blog will cover the highlights of a most unusual August, the dryest and one of the hottest on record.

The trees, flowers and grass in Russell Square Garden had never looked so stressed as they did on August 1st.

But the kids found a way to stay cool in the fountain there.

Marilyn Monroe-The National Portrait Gallery

The exhibition of photographs and portraits of the late, great American superstar were grouped by photographer. She died on August 4th, 1962, at 36 years old. I became increasingly sad as I continued through the exhibition which reminded me of all she accomplished and how very difficult life was for her in an era where her voice was often muted by those who sought to use her beauty and “sex appeal,” mear years before a feminist revolution began which might have changed and saved her life. Here are some of the images.

They will only care when you’re gone. Marilyn

The Donmar Warehouse Presents “The Guilty”

Russell Tovey starred in this atmospheric production about a police officer temporarily assigned to an emergency call room. Americans would call it a ‘911 Center.’ His performance was breath taking. I recommend this production.

The Latest from the Esoterick Collection of Modern Italian Art

One of my favorite small galleries is just two Tube stops away from my temporary home in Bloomsbury. The exhibition of the work of Emilio Isgro was titled “Erasing to Create.” Quite literally he blacked out words in documents, maps, letters, and globes to force us to consider the layers of reality and hidden messages we encounter but never consider. This was a challenging exhibition, but one that reminded me of how important it is for me to be open to different possibilities.

I had to pass on visiting the permanent exhibit because parts of the building were not air conditioned and this visit was on one of the days that felt like the temperature inside was about 400 degrees F. However, I did get these photos of the funky new patio and garden furniture.

Fulham F.C. “Home Opener at Craven Cottage

Fulham, with a new manager and many new players opened their home season with a game kicking off at 8:00 PM, the first evening match I had attended. This was against local rival Chelsea whose home ground is also in the same part of West London, so this was a “London Derby” in local parlance. The “All Whites” made a valiant showing but ended on the wrong side of a 3-2 final score. The long walk back to Putney Bridge Station through a very dark Bishop’s Park was ‘interesting. Fans used the lights from their phones to guide the way along the paths.

Jeeves Takes Charge at the Charing Cross Theatre

I am a big fan of P.G. Woodhouse and his famous duo Bertie Wooster and his butler, Jeeves. Many will recall the series that starredHugh Laurie and Steven Fry. This production was a bit different in that one actor , Sam Harrison played both Wooster and Jeeves and all the other characters (male and female) by altering his voice and posture. He was amazing and the show was side splittingly funny.

James NcNeill Whistler at the Tate Britain

TheTate Britain gathered together an impressive collection of the American born painter’s works, including the famous portrait of his mother that is usually at the Musee D’Orsay in Paris. His paintings explored darkness and light and he used muted colors in interesting ways.

Since I had made the trip to the Tate, I also stopped in to visit the wonderful collection of Henry Moore sculptures. Below are a few examples.

An End to August and the Heat Wave

As August came to an end, so did the heat wave that had hold of the UK for most of the Summer. On the one of the first cooler days, I revisited two favorite places in the local environs, Saint Pancras New Church and the plaza of the British Library where the first rain and cooler temperatures perked up some flowers and a blue sky shone over this lovely part of London.

This ends my August update more regular updates to come. Thanks for your patiences.

The Long Goodbye, The First Noel, Secret Maps

The Long Goodbye

My last week in London is a time of reflection and of fond farewells to favorite places and friends. I’ll start with two pictures of the mighty trees in Russell Square Park as they go deeper into Autumn.

In summer these trees form a canopy over the park and shield much of the outside world from view. Now, though in various shadesof gold, green and brown, they remind me that my time in London is coming to an end for another year.

The First Noel

On a final visit to Covent Garden, I found that Christmas had come to the venerable shopping arcade, even before Halloween had arrived.

The weather outside has certainly been cold enough to remind us of the coming winter season, but this used to be a time in London when poppies were sold and displayed in honor of those who had lost their lives in defense of Britain, a tradition that goes back to World War 1.

Secret Maps

The British Library had one last gift for me in the form of its current exhbition “Secret Maps.”

The exhibit included ancient maps. secret maps, escape maps, an astrolabe and more. Below are a few examples.

All in all, an interesting experience

More of the Long Goodbye

A gathering took place at Caffe Tropea. A group of my friends, who I met at the caffe several years ago, came together for a chance to wish me farewell. It is one of the joys of my trips to London to have come to know this eclectic group of people. We laugh and joke, solve the world’s problems and drink delicious Italian coffee. It is always hard to wish this group goodbye.

As the last week continues, my friends Nigel, Gwynne, and Mike met me for lunch today. We spent a few hours chatting. It was warm enough to eat outside. We were, once again, at Caffe Tropea and thus able to enjoy the beautiful views in Russell Square Park.