In an age when technology seems to be the order of the day and when Europe seems to be on its decisive path towards a political unity, monarchy may seem a term of old. Political scientists may try to bypass it; others may state that it is a reality to be studied by historians but not mentioned by modern researchers and intellectuals. But in spite of all this, I would not think twice to stop and reflect about its value for today.
I think I will not be far from the truth if I were to say that the British monarchy, operating within the wide dimensions of democracy and, thus, designated as a "constitutional monarchy", is the best way how to keep a 1,000-year-old royalty in a 21st century democratic country. It is within this framework that Queen Elizabeth II - who turned 78 on April 21 - has succeeded in presenting a monarchy, which no longer strives for power and autocracy but rather for prestige and appeal.
When I was very young, perhaps not more than seven years of age, I began to notice a certain feeling every time one of the royals would appear on TV. It could vary from the Queen's Official Birthday parade on June 2 to the late Queen Mother's birthday congratulations in front of Clarence House on every fourth day of August. Monarchy, with its glorious pageantry and simple cordiality seemed to fascinate me. At that time I didn't try to understand why I was behaving in such a manner; it seemed that my love for history was finding its way of being incarnated in time every time I watched the royals on TV. Strangely enough, it was the British Royals who invaded my interest. This sense of genuine admiration was perhaps the unconscious cause of my thinking of trying to correspond with any member of the Royal Family.
It was in fact the Queen Mother's 92nd birthday which had encouraged me to write a short letter of congratulation to George VI's queen consort and send it to Clarence House, her official London residence. Although a 14-year old boy's enthusiasm is not so rare, I was not sure if I had to expect any response. Strangely enough, I did receive a letter which on the outside of its envelope one could catch the addressing words "The 14-year-old boy who lives at..." Being too enthusiastic at my writing the letter, I had forgotten to sign it and the sender could not address the answer in the normal way.
August 1992 was the beginning of an enduring correspondence not only with the Queen Mother but also with her daughter, the Queen, and other members of the family firm, as it is called.
I think that all those who keep in touch with the Queen's activities and with the monarchy's role in Britain agree with me that the British monarchy does have a catching characteristic in its appeal to the people. Even though only half a dozen of monarchies still survive in Europe, both Britain's monarchy and its typical particularity deem it to be loved, admired and kept in high esteem.
June 2 of this year 2003 brought with it the remembrance of the day when, amidst unique celebrations, Britain hailed its new sovereign and a new Elizabethan age was introduced.
Last year, the UK and the Commonwealth celebrated the 50 years from her accession to the throne; this June, all will commemorate her coronation, which took place amidst pomp and splendour in Westminster Abbey in the presence of many of the world's heads of state and various European and Asian monarchs and princes.
Today, the monarchy's role is surely very different from that of 50 years ago. However, in spite of the many changes, which the world has experienced, the monarchy has not only managed to survive but still enjoys immense popularity.
Queen Elizabeth's remaining in touch with her people and the Windsors' adaptability to the signs of the times with their presiding over various charitable associations and other philanthropic entities have earned Britain's monarchy a unique reputation and uncovered the British rooted identification with both monarchy and Queen.