The Telegraph Conundrum: Queen Elizabeth II's 100th Birthday
If Queen Elizabeth II had lived until 100, she would have received a congratulatory telegram from King Charles III. The tradition of sending congratulatory telegrams for significant birthdays is a long-standing practice in the British monarchy. However, if Queen Elizabeth II received a telegram from herself, it would present a complex protocol issue.
Tradition and Modernity in Telegrams
The use of telegrams in the UK ceased in 1982. Since then, the tradition of sending congratulatory telegrams to 100-year-olds has been upheld through more modern means. For Queen Elizabeth II, this would not mean sending herself a telegram, but rather receiving messages from others.
Although Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022, the tradition endures. Cardholders, monarchs from around the world, and other heads of state continue to send her well-wishes on her birthday. Her family members, including Prince Philip, are also known to send cards and messages to her.
Protocol and Practicality
When royal protocol is concerned, a telegram addressed to the Queen would traditionally announce her first, followed by the subject. However, if the Queen were to write a telegram to herself, this would create a paradox: the Queen would be both the subject and the entity addressing the message. This goes against the very foundation of royal protocol, which maintains that the Queen is the ultimate authority and cannot be subordinate to anyone else.
The complex nature of this protocol issue suggests that the Queen would avoid writing a telegram to herself. Instead, she would likely receive messages from others, including her family and other royal figures. This would maintain the integrity of the tradition while adhering to fundamental principles of royal protocol.
The Significance of the 100th Birthday
The 100th birthday is a unique milestone in British royalty. Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II's ancestor, set a precedent by celebrating her birthday with a grand celebration, and this tradition has continued. If Queen Elizabeth II had lived to 100, her 100th birthday would have been met with overwhelming celebrations and tributes, both official and personal.
Despite the abolishment of telegrams, the sentiment and tradition continue. Friendships and connections remain strong, and messages of well-wishes are exchanged in various forms, such as cards and digital platforms. The Queen's family, particularly Prince Philip, would have played a crucial role in ensuring that she received a rendition of these traditional messages.
The Future of Royal Traditions
While the tradition of congratulatory telegrams has ended, other forms of celebration and well-wishes continue. Queen Elizabeth II's legacy is secured through the numerous tributes and messages received on her 100th birthday. Her dedication to duty and the unwavering support of her loved ones ensure that this important milestone is not forgotten.
The ongoing debate about telegrams and the Queen's 100th birthday serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of royal traditions. While the tradition of telegrams may have ended, the spirit of celebration and well-wishes remains vibrant within the royal family and the British public.