Laurence Robertson’s

VIEW FROM WESTMINSTER

7th February 2012

On Monday of this week Her Majesty the Queen celebrated sixty years on the throne. The main celebrations will take place in June but a tremendous milestone has been reached. Her Majesty has overtaken George III as the second longest reigning Monarch in our history and, God willing, will surpass Queen Victoria’s record of 63 years and 216 days in 2016.

It’s not just about length of service, however, but also about quality and there can be no doubt of the value of Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family’s value to this country. Brilliantly supported by The Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty has led the Royal Family in support of the country for a very long time. The country just wouldn’t be the same without them, and this is demonstrated by the millions of visitors we attract from overseas largely because of such institutions. In addition, her Majesty’s visits to other countries is so valuable. I was present for part of the Queen’s visit to Ireland and it was phenomenal.

The Monarchy is an institution which is not unique to the UK, of course. Many countries across the world have their own Monarchs. But our Monarchy is an historic institution, rich and deep in history. One of my interests is studying our history, largely because it is so relevant today, and this history is so closely linked and dominated by the reigning Monarchs over the centuries.

The fascination, for me, begins in 1066 with William the Conqueror, although there were, of course, Kings before him. Henry II’s 12th century involvement in Ireland is relevant today. The dividing of Edward III’s sons into two family branches led to the War of the Roses, which is relevant to Tewkesbury. Henry VIII and the Tudor Age is of interest to most school children and the effects of the Reformation, which took place during his time, forms part of our constitution today.

Then, under successive Monarchs, the British Empire began to be formed. We had civil war in the country, when Charles I was deposed and executed and, for a time, we were King-less under Oliver Cromwell and the Commonwealth. Further constitutional changes were made at the end of the 17th century when William and Mary jointly ruled, and then the German connection was made with the ascent of George I. And, later, Victoria’s great rule saw so many changes to our country which are relevant today.

So, this week was relevant not just for what has gone but for what is to come. Our constitution, our way of life, our values and our culture, have been shaped by our history and our Monarchs have played leading roles in these developments. I hope they will continue to do so.