“I have to be seen to be believed.”

A note on the visibility of The Queen

Last night, the royal hearse remarkably made The Queen’s coffin very visible, even bright, as it was driven to Buckingham Palace.  The back that contained the coffin had unusually large windows.  Also there were lights on the ceiling.  I’ve heard that The Queen herself approved the design, and it worked very well in allowing the crowds lining the route to see the draped coffin.

This reminded me of my closest encounter with The Queen about ten years ago.  Two friends and I knew she was going to be entering Westminster Abbey to attend a service of thanksgiving for the 60th anniversary of her coronation.  Us Americans wanted to see The Queen, of course.  So we picked a spot across the street from the Abbey where we thought we might get a good view.

And we picked our spot well.  Although I was standing about two rows back from the street, when the car containing her and Prince Phillip came along, it was if she was right in front of me.  I could see her very well.  The windows were big, and it seemed she practically glowed.  I don’t know if it was the luck of how the sun was shining or internal lighting or a sunroof of some sort, but she was well lit and very visible.

(Yes, quite a contrast with the tinted windows on American presidential limos.  Also, there was no long motorcade or prolonged road closures, just a brief stoppage in traffic, then a motorcycle or two and The Queen’s car.)

The Queen made a point to be visible and as available as possible.  She once remarked that she “had to be seen to be believed.”  I, for one, am thankful for that as I cherish getting to see her very well ten years ago.  And her policy of visibility continues even after her death by enabling as many as possible to see her coffin as well as by the extensive time King Charles and the Royal Family has spent greeting well wishers.

May she now enjoy the Kings of Kings revealing himself to her and saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”