Over the past few weeks, like many others, I’ve been watching documentaries about Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Indeed, she was deeply devoted, dutiful, gracious and not to mention, very beautiful. Have a look at her side profile that famously adorns Great Britain’s postage stamps – how stunning. I offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to King Charles III, the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She was a remarkable person, a remarkable Queen.
When news broke of her passing, I remember feeling a sense of loss, even though my life had been pretty far removed from Her Late Majesty and from the United Kingdom, with the exception of a few relatives there, and also knowing that Singapore was a British colony up until 1959. For many years though, I’d followed her Christmas broadcasts quite keenly and always admired how Her Late Majesty was able to reach into the lives and indeed the hearts of ordinary people and make such a connection with us.
I then remembered a funny story – in one particular session, I had to say the word ‘year’ several times. I never thought I’d struggle so much with this one seemingly straightforward word. The issue was that, my usual pronunciation of the word was too ‘Queen’ for the client’s liking, basically, too posh. Not that I am anything close to posh but it just so happens that how I pronounce certain words is considered as such. I understood that they didn’t want the voice to make their brand sound too ‘up there’ so I set out on many attempts to ‘dethrone’ my version of said word. I must have done about ten takes before finally getting it. The thing is, I never realised indeed how ‘Queen’ the word sounded when I said it – it’s just how I’ve pronounced it all my life!
Since the passing of Her Late Majesty the Queen in recent weeks, and thanks to all the documentaries about and speeches from her, I think I now finally understand the subtle differences between Received Pronunciation or RP and the Queen’s English. Watch this video to understand the characteristics and history behind the RP accent and how it differs to Her Late Majesty’s English.
More importantly though, I now have a better understanding of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s unwavering heart of service and dedication for her country and the Commonwealth. She famously said in her 21st birthday speech, “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong…. God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share in it.” Indeed, she did make good her vow and served for 70 years, right up to two days before her passing. The epitome of duty, service, dedication and graciousness. Rest in peace, Your Royal Majesty.
Long live the King!
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