The Queen Mum was a symbol of strength to the British people for more than a century. She saw her country and it’s people through war and peace, economic troubles and prosperity and helped sustain the monarchy through it all. Known to every generation in Britain today, the Queen Mum had a quality about her that people identified with and respected. More than being respected by the population, the Queen Mum won the respect of the notoriously unforgiving British press.
One thing she will always be remembered for is her lavish taste. Being a member of the royal family has certain privileges that come in the form of champagne at lunch, a reported staff of 50 on call, lavish homes and various forms of luxury transportation. It also calls for the most lavish funeral ceremonies. Police estimated that over 400,000 people were there to watch the Queen Mum’s funeral procession through the streets of London. All of this comes at a cost for which the British people pay through taxes. During recent years the royal family has been under attack for lavish spending and the media is questioning whether or not the public is even willing to continue support of a primarily figurehead tradition.
There is no doubt that the Queen Mum was loved dearly by her country. But, does her death bring down the opinion of the public on the remainder of the family? After the death of Princess Diana, arguably the most favored royal, the scandals with Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles, The Duchess of York becoming a Weight Watchers spokesperson to get out of debt – the royal family is struggling to find a foothold in the hearts of the new generations.
Prince William seems to hold the power to win the favor of younger generations (especially the young girls), but his distrust of the media and his unwillingness to cater to them will have to change in order to ensure the continued tradition of a British royal family. The Queen Mum left behind a legacy of relating to all generations and having the respect of her family and country – now it is up to the remaining members to fill her shoes or perhaps lose the lifestyles to which they have become accustomed.
