2nd Place in Popularity among Successive Royalty England’s `Pride`

February 6th will be the 50th enthronement anniversary of England’s Queen Elizabeth II (75). The entire nation is busy preparing various celebration events for Elizabeth II, who has been the symbol of Great Britain for half a century.

Present day’s British royalty are only symbolic figures, reduced in its authority and function as less than constitutional monarchs who were `sovereign but not ruling`. Nonetheless, Elizabeth II is popularly seen as a centripetal point of England and its people in the midst of radically changing history.

The British press especially praised the queen for being a stronghold in the royal family in times of troubles, including their love affairs, divorce, and discord.

England’s BBC Radio 4 program recently carried out a popularity survey on successive British royalties, and Elizabeth II came in second (27%) after Elizabeth I (31%), who established the foundation of Great Britain by overrunning Span’s Invincible Armada. Also, another survey shows that 76 percent of the British adults are satisfied with her works.

Various celebration events are planned, such as the queen’s parade on a golden coach and street party, issuing commemorative coins and celebration lottery, and the queen couple’s national tour.

World’s top stars, including a member of The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger, former member of group Genesis Phil Collins, and Stevie Wonder, will also hold a mammoth concert at Buckingham Palace on June 3.

Arguments for Royal Reform are heard already as usual. However, England’s major broadcasters like BBC are agreeing that "The queen is leading the royal court with stability, despite her age, and the anniversary will be a national celebration for all."

phark@donga.com