By Atty. Howie Calleja
Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s longest-serving monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years. She died peacefully on September 8, 2022 (Feast of Mother Mary’s Birthday) at her Scottish estate, where she had spent much of the summer. She ruled for seven decades, unwaveringly dedicated to the rituals of her role amid epic social and economic change thus personifying the Nobility of Royalty.
The Queen had been benefactor of 433 of her charity organizations since 1952 having inherited many from her father King George II on his passing. This means that some of her charities have proudly been embodied by and inspired by her for 75 years. In 2016, when she turned 90 years old the sovereign stepped down from 25 of her patronage at some charities, passing them over to other members of the royal family to guarantee they were still supported.
An interesting historical fact was that for almost two years, from October 1762 to April 1764, the Philippines was part of the British Empire during the “Seven Years’ War”. In the end, like most wars, the Seven Years’ War ended with status quo ante bellum. There were some territorial concessions here and there, but there were no major shifts in the balance of powers among the great European countries at the time. Manila, which was taken by the British, returned to Spanish hands and would remain with Spain for a hundred years more.
Being Royal means possessing Ten (10) qualities to live by; and as such we too can possess in order to live as Royals as well: (1) Charity – Having a willingness to sacrifice one’s interests for the people; (2) Morality – Maintaining a high moral order in one’s personal conduct; (3) Altruism – Being generous towards the people, avoiding selfishness; (4) Honesty – Fulfilling one’s duties with loyalty and integrity; (5) Gentleness – Being kind and gentle, never arrogant; (6) Self Control – To perform one’s duties with dispassion; (7) Non-Anger – Remaining calm in the midst of confusion; (8 Non-Violence – Being non-violent, not persecuting the people; (9) Forbearance – Practicing patience in one’s duties; and (10) Uprightness – Respecting public opinion, promoting harmony. We may not be royal by blood but we can definitely be royal by actions.
In Conclusion, allow me to leave you the words of Queen Elizabeth herself when she shares, “When it comes to how to mark seventy years as your queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first. … I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family … I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.”