My last post focused on Becky’s 1st birthday.

Today, I came across an article that celebrates the other end of the spectrum.

I’m a bit of a Queen Elizabeth fan. Actually, I’m fascinated by the whole royal family. In college I studied abroad in London and I was hooked. I literally walked by Kensington Palace every day to get to class. I have nothing but the deepest admiration for Queen Elizabeth and her longstanding service to the Commonwealth. Not to mention her fabulous wardrobe and millinery collection. My poor children are still watching portions of the 2012 London Summer Olympics with me.

When the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were married, I threw a royal wedding party. I invited friends via email which is so 2011. I used the official wedding invitation as my template:

The Lady Kathleen is commanded by

The Queen to invite you

to the tape-delayed viewing

of the Royal Wedding

of

His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales, K.G.

with

Miss Catherine Middleton

on Friday, 29th April, 2011, at 7:00pm

at Palace Benton

Kindly bring a spot of tea, hot toddy, or crumpet to share

I broke out the china, crystal, and silver and lit enough candles to burn the place down. But my crowning achievement was to ask my guests to attend in costume. Wedding attire, actually. Friends arrived in old bridesmaid dresses and their wedding veils. Many brought their wedding albums. As we poured over pictures and told stories, laughter filled the house. All while the royal wedding played on the big screen. It was epic.

Queen Elizabeth has many titles and honors to her name. Recently, the British magazine Oldie hoped to bestow another distinction on the Queen: Oldie of the Year. Apparently this honors “people of advanced age who have made a special contribution to public life”. She qualifies. Honestly, I’m miffed that she hasn’t been selected before. Her husband Prince Philip walked away with the prize in 2011.

Through her private secretary she politely declined. With a classic response.

“Her Majesty believes you are as old as you feel, as such The Queen does not believe she meets the relevant criteria to be able to accept, and hopes you will find a more worthy recipient.”

Brilliant.

The letter was sent with “Her Majesty’s warmest best wishes.” Naturally. I imagine the queen giving dictation while sitting in her drawing room at Windsor Castle. Her signature Launer handbag resting next to her and her black patent shoes crossed at the ankle. As her secretary left with the response, she probably had a good laugh with her corgis while make a selection from the tea tray.

AP Photo/Frank Augstein, Pool, File

Long live the Queen.