Queen Elizabeth II was a beloved figure for so many of us around the globe. But for my Paperdoll Review co-editor, Lorna Thomopoulos, a Brit herself, the Queen felt like a family member. Lorna's tribute will appear in Paperdoll Review Issue 85, coming out later this fall.
Our lovely Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle Paper Doll was created by Julie Allen Matthews for our upcoming magazine issue. Saddened to hear of the Queen's passing, Julie took to her drawing board. She thought it was a natural fit to highlight the tartans of the Royal Family, especially considering she died at her beloved Balmoral Castle. The first is the Balmoral tartan, said to have been designed by Prince Albert and is only worn by the Royal Family. The second is the Green Stewart, designed for King George VI, Queen Elizabeth's father. An icon in every way, she'll be dearly missed.
Remembering Queen Elizabeth II
by Lorna Currie Thomopoulos
for Paperdoll Review magazine issue #85, Fall 2022
A great sadness fell upon the nation when Queen Elizabeth II died (1926-2022). Everyone, monarchist or not, was effected. The country’s Rock and in some ways, everyone’s Granny, was gone. We all knew it was coming but even broadcasters had watery eyes and cracked voices.
My earliest “memory” of Queen Elizabeth II is being held in my mother’s arms in 1947 as she, then still a princess, drove down a Durban street in an open-topped car. Actually I do not remember it as I was only one month old but I like knowing I was there. My next sighting was 28 years later as I joined the crowds to see the Queen “Trooping the Colour” in London. She passed by sitting side saddle on her horse, smaller than I could have imagined, resplendent in a bright red jacket and matching lipstick.
The third time was at the theatre where she glided by in a fairy-tale evening gown and diamonds, one in particular twinkling throughout the performance. Absolutely fabulous.
Her sense of duty, sharp mind, humour, humanity and acute constitutional understanding has been acknowledged by everyone.
Aged just 21, Her Majesty declared that she would devote her whole life to the service of her people. “A fair and youthful figure, princess, wife and mother, is the heir to all our traditions and glories,” as an entranced Sir Winston Churchill so poetically put it on her Coronation.
Elizabeth’s extraordinary reign, spanning more than seven decades—longer than any other Monarch in British history—selflessly demonstrated this steadfast commitment to public service.
Always conducted in sartorial elegance—she was Great Britain’s greatest advertisement and the most famous woman on earth.
We are going to miss the gold dust she sprinkled on everything.
