During her coronation, the Queen was presented with a sword and these were the words spoken:
The Sword
Receive this kingly Sword,
brought now from the Altar of God,
and delivered to you by the hands of us
the Bishops and servants of God, though unworthy.
With this sword do justice,
stop the growth of iniquity,
protect the holy Church of God,
help and defend widows and orphans,
restore the things that are gone to decay,
maintain the things that are restored,
punish and reform what is amiss,
and confirm what is in good order:
that doing these things you may be glorious in all virtue;
and so faithfully serve our Lord Jesus Christ in this life,
that you may reign for ever with him
in the life which is to come. Amen.
This is her signature. I was really moved by the sight of the crowds celebrating her in London today on her Diamond Jubilee. It is heartening to see steadfastness and commitment celebrated rather than the bright bursts of precocious talent that we are also so often drawn to. It’s a different strength, a different story.
I know that some people say that it is lesser because she didn’t choose it but I don’t agree. Birthrights aside, none of us choose everything that we get in life. Even in marriage, we take a punt but as our husbands and wives walk their journeys, we often encounter circumstances we wouldn’t have chosen otherwise. Again, even with children, we may choose to have them but we don’t know what their personalities or challenges will be. Here’s to faithfulness, loyalty and long, day-by-day commitment. Slow and steady wins the day! And here’s to you Elizabeth R, and your signature style of Queenship.
Hannah Stoney is a British artist and writer.