by Paola de Carolis
Queen Elizabeth turns 96 on April 21: she will spend the day in the house Philip adored. With her only a few family members. Prince Harry talks about meeting his grandmother on TV and declines an invitation to attend the anniversary parties
LONDON At Sandringham, in the house Philip loved. Queen Elizabeth has reached the age when the years tomorrow 96 are a source of wonder and pride. Celebrate, as usual, without pomp, by moving into the cottage where her husband spent the last years of his life for a few days. Wood Farm, situated on the Norfolk estate not far from the sea, has always held a special place in Elizabeth’s heart.
When the Duke of Edinburgh retired from public life in 2017, he made it his primary residence and redesigned the interior and garden. l that Elizabeth will be spending her birthday with some family members. The Queen’s move by helicopter seems to indicate that the sovereign’s health conditions have improved compared to recent times when she has been forced to give up various engagements due to Covid and unspecified motor difficulties.
Waiting for the anniversary celebration
t is still unclear whether Elizabeth will be able to attend the grand platinum jubilee celebrations being organized in June to mark her 70th reign, a feat that makes her the longestlived queen in British history (third in history). World after Louis XV and Rama X, in Thailand). f tomorrow is his real birthday, the official one is June 2nd and is marked by the traditional Trooping the Color military parade. the kings of the United Kingdom have celebrated twice since 1748, since George decided that the month of November, in which he was born, was so cold and gray that it did not lend itself to the kind of receptions he wanted. Elizabeth, who was not destined to be queen and whose life, like that of all kings, began with the abdication of her uncle Edward V, has always endeavored to preserve normality as much as possible, with the gardens that she loved most to care about something. When she was younger she also enjoyed washing dishes at Balmoral and Sandringham from time to time.
The Andrea question
Despite her age, the sovereign did not stop fighting for her family: on the occasion of the ceremony commemorating Prince Philip, Elisabetta wanted her son Andrea by her side. The Duke was accused of sexual harassment by Virginia Giuffre and reached a financial settlement with the woman to avoid a court case. Due to the cause, his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, and his closeness to the grooming and exploitation ring of their minors, Andrea was forced to resign from his official role and was stripped of his civilian and military posts. However, he remains the third son of Elizabeth, and the ruler wanted to show everyone that children are children, even if they do not behave well.
Harry: am my grandmother’s closest confidante
The same goes for the grandchildren: Elizabeth did everything she could to heal the relationships between Prince Harry, Charles and William. When Harry asked her if she could stop by for the nvictus games on her trip to Holland, Elizabeth replied that she had to go and say hello to her father first. t was like this.
n an interview broadcast today by the American channel Nbc, Elisabetta’s favorite nephew spoke about this longawaited meeting, recalling that he remains the Queen’s closest confidant: We have a special relationship: she talks to me about things that no one else could tell, together we suppose it was nice to see her in great shape. And when asked what the best side of the grandmother queen is, she answered. His great sense of humor. And so far everything is fine with a view to a reconciliation between Sussex and the royal family. But then, in the same interview, Harry seems to want to snub the invitation he received to take part in the anniversary celebrations in London: There are security problems, the prince said with regard to the question of the open escort with the Home Office: last January he turned to London High Court to seek the restoration of his right of escort.
Harry and the failed thaw
n the interview, Harry sidesteps the question of whether he misses his father and brother and only replies that his first goal is his family and that his home right now is the United States. n short, not really statements pointing towards a thaw for the rest of the royal house.
Peace in the family and more security for the future of the monarchy are the Queen’s most important tasks. But the knots formed among the Winsdor seem increasingly difficult to untie. The country respects Elizabeth and loves her, but it is not to be taken for granted that the country’s feelings can be passed on to the next generation with the crown.
April 20, 2022 (Change April 20, 2022 | 17:18)
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