In April, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated another birthday. She is now 94 years old! She and her husband, Prince Philip, who will turn 98 this year, are in isolation at Windsor Castle due to the pandemic.

You may not be a royalist but, on a personal level, one cannot help but admire the Queen for several reasons:

1. Work ethic: Elizabeth didn’t expect to be Queen of England, but when her uncle David abdicated to be with his twice-divorced American wife, her father became king and she was automatically in line to follow him. Her coronation in 1952 was the beginning of which she is now the world’s longest-reigning monarch. But it’s not just her years of service in the UK and Commonwealth countries that are important. She is an active ruler who actually had 295 engagements in 2019. I don’t know many people who are still working at the age of 94!

2. Libra – Since taking the throne, the Queen has witnessed so many changes in the world. Her first address was on the radio and she now uses Zoom and other technologies to communicate. She has lived through wars, natural disasters and plagues. Social and political structures have changed many times during her lifetime. She has worked with 14 prime ministers in her home country and dozens of leaders in other countries. Through it all, she has been a constant support who can be relied on for her consistency and grace.

3. Personal limits – The Queen does not air dirty laundry! She has never given an interview and even when she is faced with personal loss or family problems, she presents herself with quiet dignity.

4. Positive influence – People look to the Queen for comfort. She set an example for others and took up a position as a mechanic in the war. She spoke comfort to the world after the death of Princess Diana and was the one person millions expected to hear from during the current pandemic. Her speeches are brief but full of hope.

5. Personal care habits: Despite her age, the queen continues to walk and ride a horse every day! (I heard she needed a shorter horse to make it easier to ride.) She never wears a railing, even when she wears a heavy crown or cape because she builds her core. She eats regular, nutritious meals.

6. Curiosity – The Queen is interested in both people and things. She reads, asks good questions, and makes sure she comes into contact with interesting people from all walks of life.

We have no idea how long the Queen will live. She pledged as a young woman to serve her all her life. When she’s gone, it will be a drastic loss. Over eighty percent of the British have never had another ruler!

The Victorian Long Weekend is a time when the Commonwealth remembers the birthday of Queen Elizabeth and her great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who reigned for more than 63 years. For many, this is just a legal holiday to camp, kick back, and enjoy the spring weather.

This year, on the May bank holiday, let’s think about the example that Queen Elizabeth has given us. Are there things that she has done that you might want to incorporate into your life? There is a lot to think about!