I remarked to my son, “Are you seeing the looks of total admiration and respect on their faces?” He had already noticed and we both stood in total awe as we watched the film and observed the people.

Also in the tower, the crown jewels of the British Empire were on display. Encased in what I imagine was bulletproof, reinforced glass, the magnificence of those diamonds and gold were overwhelming.

Elizabeth II was an exemplary stateswoman. Her dedication and love of the British Empire and its people should serve as an example to statesmen, politicians and those in positions of leadership all over the world.

She set an example for women, both young and old, as a lady and a person. While she had material wealth most can only dream of, she was a constant display of the feminine persona. She was never ostentatious or overbearing. Always the lady, she was to be admired and respected.

At the home of friends in Bucknell, England, we heard stories of the royalty that few Americans ever hear. Albert and Joyce became good friends and were perfect examples of British hospitality. Their daughter had worked in Windsor Castle for the royal family.

They conveyed to us the feelings of respect for the royal family and talked about them as if they were family. Our hosts said that never a harsh word was said by the queen or anyone in her presence; that was the demeanor of the family as a whole.

Elizabeth was known to have said at times (if something did not meet her approval), “That will not do.” Her first prime minister was Winston Churchill and those words were reportedly said to him on several occasions.

Being a firm believer in the God of the Bible and His son Jesus, crucified for the remission of sin and resurrected, I am convinced she will spend eternity in that celestial place we call Heaven. I, of course, have no right or authority to make such a call; her words and actions, however, indicate that as truth.

The pageantry, pomp and circumstance of the British are to be highly regarded. In London in the late 1980s, a traveling friend and I were on Downing Street. The residence of the prime minister is nothing more than a door with the number 10 printed on it.

On that particular day on Downing Street, there was a parade. The military men in their perfectly tailored uniforms were beyond impressive. I was engaged by a citizen; he was curious concerning the Americans. I suppose we were not “British properly” dressed for the occasion, but, nonetheless, he was friendly and respectful.

I commented to the gentleman, “We are fortunate to just happen to be here for this occasion.” He responded, “This is mostly an everyday occurrence.” The British are so precise in their endeavors, I feel totally incompetent in my attempts at daily life.

Having had the opportunity to visit Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, I stood amazed at the cleanliness and order. I could imagine if a speck blew across from the continent, someone would be there to pick it up.

In 2019, Margie and I traveled in the United Kingdom. Cities in England, Scotland and Ireland were immaculate. The levels of neatness and coordination in the countries showed a concern for order and cleanliness. The United Kingdom sets the bar for the rest of the world.

As areas of the United States digress into a third world condition, the United Kingdom continues to display a level of order not seen in other countries.

As great as the respect that I have for the United Kingdom and the British people, I must emphasize, there should be no substitute in the words or actions for anyone regarding them as other than people. Normal, of course, would not be applicable, but flesh and blood humans just the same.

In that Charles has become King of the British Empire, it appears at this point, he will be an effective and loving leader of the people. I surely expect the majestic characteristics of the country and royalty to be upheld under his reign as it was under the reign of his mother, Elizabeth.

As a believer-follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, I must state and re-state, there is no King other than our Savior Jesus. Is it possible to hold the royal family in high regard and also consider the Majesty of our Jesus? Of course we can! However, they are totally different.

The two are not the same and to those that would belittle the British for having a king (or queen), I say “bunk.” They are not the same as deity and do not assume such. They acknowledge God as do most of the rest of us.

King Jesus is King Jesus and there is none other comparable to Him. The king of any country cannot create a man, planet or universe. He cannot cause the trees to bud in the spring or the snows to fall in the winter. He is a man and only a man. Charles recognizes his human limitations just as his mother did. Admiration for both must exist since other world leaders have and will assume positions of divinity.

John 1: 3, “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” Jesus was and is God the Creator as verified in this verse and many others. King Jesus by His perfect sinless life (1 Peter 2: 22) became the sacrificial atoning substitute for the sins of all mankind. By a faith-based belief that He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings, we may be saved.

When we speak of Jesus Christ as King Jesus, we are speaking of a perfect, supernatural, righteous and loving King; one who is absolutely sovereign in His authority and eternal in His reign. If we compare the kingdoms of an earthly domain and the eternal Kingdom of God Jesus, we must separate the two. In reality, there is no comparable to consider. There is no comparison to be made.

Queen Elizabeth II reigned from 1952 until 2022; 70 years. She ruled through 14 American presidents and served for 30% of the time the U.S. has been a country. Her life was beyond remarkable.

While we may hold her life in very high esteem, we must never forget, one’s earthly position never can overshadow or overpower the significance of King Jesus; crucified for the remission of sin and resurrected. Only our faith-based belief in Jesus can give us eternity.

Queen Elizabeth II: What an amazing, beautiful and wonderful person she was. The world has lost a symbol of dignity and grace that may never be equaled. We will surely miss her.