E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

As y'all might have caught on the news, Queen Elizabeth has celebrated her Platinum Jubilee- perhaps not such a big deal in the U.S. but up here in Canada it is dominating the news coverage and despite the post-Covid blues, inflation, bizarre gas prices, and the news of yet another tragic school shooting- folks are still celebrating "Her Majesty's" long reign. Although Canada has its own Constitution and the old British NorteAmerica Act is long gone, we are still partof the Commonwealth and the British Royalty shows up here for visits every now and again.

Here in Ottawa, the National Capital District, one of our main "industries" are the Government and visits by all sorts of dignitaries, celebrities, heads of state, and religious leaders are no big deal for the residents. When the Queen or the Pope shows up it does draw a significant crowd. U.S. presidents are a big draw as well.

In my time as a press photograher working for a daily newspaper and a few wire services, I covered so many of these official visits that it became routine. It was hard to file spontaneous shots because everything is totally orchestrated and adds all the extra security and it is borderline boring and predictable.

When the Queen visited I would sometimes cover the cross-country agenda for an entire week. I thought to myself, "that poor woman" she greets hundreds of VIPs, attends endless ceremonies and dinners, relates to crowds of regular folks, sufferers jet lag and by the end of the visit, you could see the strain on her face. My favourite shot of her, that I display in my office, was at the end of a visit, she was bushed, but every time she was greeted by a child she would instantly recover, light up, make eye contact, speak to the kids and smile - she would glow.

tramsey Loc: Texas

She is quite a lady and a magnificent Queen

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

The ultimate example of grace and dignity. Long live the Queen!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

Much of what you have said applies to us here in NZ as well. Like Canada, NZ is part of the Commonwealth and TV, Press and Radio are full of people reflecting on visits from the Queen and her family over the last 70 years. Last night we watched the movie, put together from many old cine films taken by a young Queen during the years she was also raising a young family. For a busy amateur, with no doubt a lot of other stuff on her mind, she was a very good cinematographer.
Very early in her reign she swore to devote her life to public service and her Church. And for 70 years hasn't wavered in that pledge. An amazing woman, loved by many.
Every Queens Birthday weekend (Monday is always a holiday), the NZ government announces the names of people receiving honours, approved by the Queen, including Knighthoods and Dames for good works done in the community.
By the way, great photo

bikinkawboy Loc: north central Missouri

All I can say is that I’m glad I’m not part of the royal family. Their life is always under a microscope. Prince Harry might be happier living in California. Still have the paparazzi but their lives are probably less orchestrated here than most anywhere else.

MDI Mainer

But did you ever see her eat a marmalade sandwich?

Seriously it is hard to image the degree of change that she has witnessed during her reign and not admire the aplomb with which she has coped. Cheers to a great lady.

angler Loc: StHelens England

Excellent photo and we have watched on TV all the celebrations which I must say have been spectacular and though she can’t get about as she used to she does her best for everyone concerned.God save the Queen.

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

I met the Queen in the US at Booker T. Washington Middle School where I was an Assistant Principal. Talked with her and shook her hand as well as many in her party. What a great memory.

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

Interesting. I thought it was considered bad form to even touch the Queen of England, let alone shake her hand.
Perhaps there is a different protocol when she visits America.

Irvingite Charles Loc: Irving, Tx

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Class act. The news outlets were asking some Americans why they're here. She's our Queen, not on paper, but she's 'our' Queen. Said a lot.

Nice photo btw.

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

richardsaccount

Is a marmalade sandwich in New Zealand similar to a vegemite sandwich in Australia?.

Dan Thornton Loc: Corpus Christi, Texas

Great shot and interesting commentary.