CNNEE

Editor’s note: Mari Rodríguez Ichaso has been a contributor to Vanidades magazine for decades. He is a specialist in fashion, travel, gastronomy, arts, architecture and entertainment, film producer and style columnist for CNN en Español. The opinions expressed in this column are his own. Read more opinion pieces at cnne.com/opinion

(CNN Spanish) – There’s been a lot of emotion, and incredible imagery, in this historic week since the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Personally, I have been fixated on television, like millions of people around the world. And even though Elizabeth II is already 96 years old—just 3 months ago she was happily celebrating her Platinum Jubilee and we saw her in good health on the balcony of Buckingham Palace and some incredible celebrations—and how she looks in our lives. forever, this long farewell has happened when no one expected it. Therefore it was a surprise.

And the reaction to this departure has been a tremendous outpouring of love and affection around the world. A unique moment. And more than just transferring the examples of His people’s love to the rulers they have had for 70 years 214 days. And as many people on TV said, it was a gesture of genuine affection for his grandmother—grandmother—from England who he loved so much.

One of the most interesting images we’ve ever seen is the last photo of the ruler at Balmoral Castle in Scotland – frail, skinny, wearing the typical Scottish frock of the area, but very smiling – officially accepting the new Prime Minister Liz Truss. The photos have appeared again and again since her death and they give me immense tenderness, because just hours before her final farewell, Elizabeth II did what marked her 70 years on the British throne: do her job and be a good ruler. for him. people.

A movement that may be physically very difficult for him, in the photos you can see a large bruise on one hand. A day and a half later, his doctors announced their concern for his health and the royal family rushed to his side. He died a few hours later. From then on, what happened and what will happen on the day of the state funeral, September 19, will make us witnesses of history.

Witness the great reverence in all the countries and territories that make up Great Britain. He died in Scotland, in his favorite home, Balmoral Castle, where he was deeply loved. A precious tribute was held in Edinburgh, and thousands of citizens, from children to the elderly, were seen queuing for hours to see his coffin in St. Gilles, where his 4 children are on guard.

It was heartwarming to see Princess Anne, her only daughter (who is said to be heartbroken) bowing as her mother’s coffin entered the Holyroodhouses’ palace. And, the next day, the dramatic picture of the coffin arriving at night, in the London rain, enters for the last time through the gates of Buckingham Palace – which was his main home, as king, for 70 years and 214 years. the day the coffin spent its last night before the official funeral, personally brought me to tears.

And all this leads me to tell you about the deep sadness that must have accompanied Elizabeth II for more than a year, when she lost her beloved husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who died at the age of 99, in April. 9, 2021. I remember those pictures, alone on a bench in St. Chapel. George, in Windsor, in the midst of a pandemic, the greatest picture of loneliness and pain. And it was clear that the physical decline of the ruler started then. Heartbreak can hasten the worst…

She lost a lot of weight and the overwhelming sadness she was trying to overcome, seeing her smiling and seemingly happy in her colorful dresses and hats, which probably hides the loneliness and pain of losing the love of her life. Because from the time he was a teenager—until their final days, together for nearly 74 years—he would believe that Elizabeth was in love with the handsome Prince Charming!

From my point of view, you only have to look at the photos of them together to see the love and admiration the queen feels for her husband. Her death, according to many, undoubtedly broke her heart, but the queen continued on, doing her job, as I think Philip of Edinburgh would expect her to.

And now, at last, we see that his 4 children and many grandchildren (hopefully the rapprochement for the William and Harry show has led to the reconciliation that he, in my opinion, is so desirable) have been well trained in this regard. Duty. And his final act of parting proves it. Including heartfelt words and heartfelt sorrow from his eldest son, the new King Charles III, who has so far shown great love and warm welcome to everyone! The welcome also truly goes to Camila, now empress, named after Elizabeth II herself, acknowledging the happiness this woman—who was so hated 20 years ago—now shares with her son Carlos.

And although today the protocol is strict, and the typical British procession has arrived, there is deep feeling and great emotion in everything that happens. Including seeing the entire family walk behind the ruler’s coffin from Buckingham to Westminster Hall, where thousands of citizens had already passed to pay their respects to their king.

We’ll take a look at the state funeral that Elizabeth II herself planned and organized in great detail! And that in his last wish he was very generous with those who loved him. And when the unity of citizens and territories is paramount — equally between sympathizers and non-sympathizers of the monarchy — who have come together because of their admiration for the queen. For a woman who since she was 25 years old—recently married and devastated by the sudden death of her father, King George VI, from whom she inherited the throne—lived to fulfill the promise she made, to dedicate her life, “whether long or short, to serve its people” and fulfill its obligations.

The admiration is clear and guides the feelings of millions of citizens over the years. This is a story of affection towards a queen who never causes a scandal and deeply loves the family who continue to give it to her. A woman who knows the joy of love as well as tears. And who until the last moment showed great dignity, hand in hand with an open smile that we will miss.

For all of that, with deep admiration and sadness we say thank you “Thank you ma’am!”.

God Save the Queen!

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.