Talkative Finn

I think they are new Queen Consort's father (now deceased), son and daughter. Picture taken at the wedding 2005.

Also when he walked behind the other royals, the director made a clear point of always quickly cutting away from him (out of respect I think). I first noticed his difficulties at the Cenotaph few years ago.

Well, let's say that they misuse his sense of duty. The Queen liked to have him as her companion (kind of spare-Philip), but the poor man gasped for air and used his sword as a walking stick etc.

Why is poor old Duke of Kent being forced to walk in official occasions? Mercifully the cameras only showed on glimpse and from far just how painful and scary it looked. If he is famous enough, he would be a good candidate to DeathList IMHO.

Tragically the probability of getting cancer increases every year you live, especially at the old age. Cumulative errors in gene replication and so on.

Yesterday evening BBC commentators (or their guests) speculated on the thought that the Queen "chose to" die in Scotland. Not in the sense of committing suicide or anything but having herself a feeling that she just might not live terribly long, and deciding to travel up just to give Scotland a chance to give her a grand farewell. I think the crafty old lady did it to discourage any thoughts of Scotland leaving the Union.

So I guess we won't get a picture of her in her deathbed then? When Queen Victoria died there was a photograph published and a painting made of it. Even in the 1960es it was standard practice with death royals at least in continental Europe. But of course times have changed and we want to hide the actual sight of death as completely as possible.

Surely she couldn't reincarnate to a fetus already conceived months ago when she was still living. As far as I've been told, the babies don't receive their souls only at birth. In case of Tibetan Lamas, it could take even few years before they get reborn.

In case they follow Operation Unicorn, will the Crown of Scotland be placed on her coffin at some point? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_of_Scotland

Also (if the funeral will even slightly resemble the one of the Queen Mother) all eligible females at the Abbey will make (more or less) deep curtsy for her coffin and another one for the new King.

So what exactly will the Garter King of Arms declare at the end of her funeral? Is it going to start something like this (make corrections if needed): "Thus it hath pleased Almighty God to take out of this transitory life unto His Divine Mercy the late Most High, Most Mighty and Most Excellent Monarch Elizabeth..." Then all her titles and honours, which I don't even try to pretend to know of. But it should end more or less like "...Daughter of His Majesty King George the Sixth and Mother of His Most Excellent Majesty Charles the Third by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of his other Realms and Territories King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, Sovereign of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, whom may God preserve and bless with long life, health and honour and all worldly happiness." And then, when we see all the other members of the Royal Family singing "God Save the King" and him listening silently, penny will really drop for everyone that new Reign has begun. * Changed from Most Exellent Priccess to Monarch since I think that is the correct form

When will they announce the funeral day, will it be Sunday the 18th or Monday the 19th?

In a way she managed to select the most handsome way of dying: all those impressive details of the Operation Unicorn at Scotland, then being taken to London by Royal Train and so on.

I remember that your tabloids fussed some years ago that Charles must not rob "King George" -name because "it belongs to little George"...

No, at least a male heir apparent automatically becomes The Duke of Cornwall the moment his parent assume the throne. The Prince of Wales -title comes only if the Sovereign so chooses. Edward VII waited for several months before creating future George V The Prince of Wales, even though he deeply respected his heir.

Someone is awake at Wikipedia. William is already referred as "The Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_William,_Duke_of_Cornwall_and_Cambridge

Regency could give her new lease of life. When the Pope Emeritus resignated, many people (including himself) expected him to die in few months. He has lasted almost a decade once the burden was lifted from his shoulders. Just out of curiosity, were Charles to become a Regent, would he read in the Speech from the Throne "Her Majesty's government" or "my government"?

Is her communication and press team sleeping? Just a bit of foundation cream to her hands, and the whole world wound have concentrated on praising how well she is still looking.

Speculation about the Queen staying at Balmoral permanently: https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/stark-reality-for-queen-exposed-as-she-may-never-return-to-london/news-story/d2d3f35f73fc1e87d5f2306303d936a7 Is it possible even in theory? I've understood that Balmoral's central heating system is inadequate even in August and it's practically only a summer cottage for the Royal Family. Of course she reportedly had that wheelchair friendly lift installed to a smaller cottage there earlier. But still, staying in Scotland permanently? Even the Wood Farm at Sandringham would be much more practical.

Once again, with a wheelchair she could attend any appointment and occasion easily. I wonder if she is having spinal fractures (often associated with osteoporosis)? My late Mom had some of them and definitely could not move until they settled down.

I'm rather disappointed with her stubbornness concerning wheelchairs. After all, Queen Victoria finally bit the bullet and was depicted (in drawings) visiting wounded soldiers in a wheelchair. And she was not completely bound to one either. She managed to walk to the Frogmore Mausoleum 14th of December 1900 (assisted by the Prince of Wales) about five weeks before her death, and probably also regularly was able to manage short distances (e.g. to toilet) with the help of her dressers.

Opening of Parliament was changed to spring around 2010. But wouldn't it be enough for her just to show up to the actual House of Lords and read the speech? Procession through the Royal Gallery is hardly a necessity. They could just smuggle her to appear from some suitable side door, since she can clearly walk some distance on a good day. Or then they could close the Royal Gallery from media and public for "security reasons" and wheel her to the door she usually uses.