Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee

I'm fascinated by Queen Elizabeth and her family. When they're in the news, I tune in. I don't know what it is that has me so attracted, but I credit it to my heritage: English, Welsh, Scottish, and yes - 1/8 Swedish. Have I ever seen her? No. Have I ever seen any of the royal family? No. In 1981 I got up early in the morning to watch Lady Diana marry Prince Charles. Sixteen years later I was glued to the TV once again to view Princess Diana's funeral. This past spring, I toured the Princess Diana exhibition at the Mall of America. I'm so glad I had this opportunity.

I have been to Balmoral, and while there, entered the Crathie Church in which the Queen worships when at her summer castle in Scotland — entering through the door designated for the royal family, and sitting in one of the royal family pews. Was I breaking protocol? No, it was a weekday and the church building was empty. I have stood outside Buckingham Palace, like millions of others, and have been inside both Westminster Abbey, where 60 years ago Elizabeth was crowned Queen, and Saint Paul's Cathedral–the place of the wedding for Prince Charles and Lady Diana, but not during any assembly—merely as a tourist.

I would have loved seeing more, lots more, of the big celebration that London has been witness to this past weekend as the Queen celebrates her Diamond Jubilee. Imagine that? 60 years of doing the same job, always in the public eye, and maintaining such dignity. I admire her, and wish her many, many more years as Her Royal Highness. Congratulations, Queen Elizabeth II.