The recent death of Queen Elizabeth II turned everyone’s attention, for at least a few news cycles, to the British monarchy. I must admit that I’ve never found monarchies of any stripe all that interesting. I tend to use the word “royalty” when referring to celebrities of some sort—“showbiz royalty,” “sports royalty,” “music royalty”—not people who actually wear crowns and sit on thrones. As an American, I suppose I’ve inherited a distrust of inherited titles, positions, and wealth.

That said, I found myself intrigued by Elizabeth II because, despite a short period following the tragic 1997 death of Princess Diana, she was popular and loved by her subjects for her entire 70-year reign. Her popularity extended internationally as well.

And yet, what did the public actually know about Queen Elizabeth personally? She famously never gave a single interview. Because British monarchs haven’t held political power for centuries, she was silent on all political issues. Her role as Queen was to unite all citizens of the British Commonwealth, not take sides in political and cultural debates. Although the private lives of her sister, adult children, and grandchildren were fodder for the press, the Queen refused to comment; she revealed nothing about any personal issues she may have had. Add to this the fact that she was not strikingly beautiful or given to displays of great passion or emotion when speaking publicly, it is nothing short of amazing that she was so revered globally. Given what now passes for celebrity and what we expect of national leaders, Queen Elizabeth seemed like someone from another age.
For the last 50 years or more, we’ve been told to follow our passion, follow our bliss, be true to ourselves, and speak our minds freely—let the chips fall where they may. Given the culture of 100 years ago, all this was welcomed, much-needed advice when it emerged in the 1960s and ‘70s. Much good has come from following it.

And, aided by the technological advances of the past 25 years, that advice has also created a culture of narcissism. For evidence, look no further than social media… or the current political scene … or reality TV…or popular entertainment. Our highest values seem to be self-revelation, transparency, and authenticity. If we feel it, express it—no matter what “it” may be.

In contrast, there was Elizabeth II, who, when she was anointed Queen at age 24, vowed before God to put the interests of her nation and people before her own. From what has been revealed since her death, that vow was the turning point in her life—the commitment she put above all else.
Queen Elizabeth embodied an idea once considered foundational to civilization: that we are firstly humans with duties to others that will require and demand the suppression of our own needs and feelings.

That idea seems archaic now. It runs counter to the so-called wisdom of our time. And yet, I can’t help but think that it may be the key to a better future.

Rob Lauer is an award-winning, nationally-produced and published playwright with over 35 years of experience in the entertainment industry. His national credits include production work for MGA Films, Time/Warner TV, The Learning Channel and The History Channel. Locally, Rob has been producing, directing and hosting three TV series for PCTV (the City of Portsmouth’s official channel) since 2011.