My whole life, up to now, has been lived with Queen Elizabeth on the throne. To put it simply, she has always been there. There are many things that I could criticise about the monarchy, but I think the Queen was an amazing woman, not only in terms of her work ethic but also the way in which she has been a constant in this ever-changing world.
I have always been fascinated by how much the French loved the Queen and by their avid interest in the Royal Family. My most recent English conversation students, in Castelnaudary, were delighted to discuss our Royal Family at every opportunity. I sometimes thought they knew more about our monarchy than I did! I would always tease them by implying that the reason they loved the Royal Family so much was because they had guillotined all of theirs…
It was interesting to see how the French newspapers reacted to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. One newspaper ‘Le Parisien’ dedicated the whole of their front page to the former monarch, with the words: ‘Nous l’avons tant aimée’ which means: ‘We loved her so much’.
The Libération newspaper also devoted its cover to the Queen with a black and white photograph taken by Cecil Beaton in 1968. The accompanying words included: ‘La peine d’Angleterre’. This was a play on the words ‘reine’, meaning ‘queen’ and ‘peine’ which means sorrow.
President Macron wrote a tribute to the Queen, including these words: “She held a special status in France and a special place in the hearts of the French people. No foreign sovereign has climbed the stairs of the Élysée Palace more often than she, who honoured France with six state visits and met each of its presidents.’
The Queen visited France more than any other overseas country, during her reign. Her very first trip to Paris was in 1948, aged twenty-two, a few months after her wedding. Of course, she was still Princess Elizabeth at this time. In the clip below, she speaks in French, as well as English.
In another exert, from June 6th, 2014, the Queen is shown giving a speech at the State Banquet in the Élysée Palace in Paris. Again, she speaks in French, and I think that her accent has improved or perhaps she has become more confident with age!
As well as state visits, the Queen enjoyed holidays in France and was very much a fan of French equestrian traditions. She visited stud farms and watched races when in France. For the Jubilee celebrations, she was even given a horse by France. I think it would be fair to say that the Queen loved France, as much as the French (perhaps not all of them – France is a Republic, after all) loved her.
I am linking this post with #PoCoLo
Fancying France 
I think the fact our dear Queen won over a nation that rejected the idea of Monarchy speaks volumes! (Said with tongue in cheek) She will be missed, a great loss to the nation.
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It does, Helen! Thanks for dropping by.
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I think President Macron said some absolutely lovely things about the Queen – I was very impressed. RIP the late Queen.
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Yes, he did, Penny! I have read your most recent posts on both your blogs, and I found the one on your ‘other blog’ particularly thought provoking, as were the comments.
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So sad for all of us June but a beautifully written piece.
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Thank you, Marion. I really appreciate that comment.
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We didn’t make it to the Air Festival this year otherwise I would have invited you to join us x
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That’s so kind, Marion. Have a lovely weekend x
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Thank you June, for this beautiful post! Queen Elizabeth II was a remarkable lady and she will be missed by all over the world. In Hong Kong, people were lining up in front of the British Consulate General for at least 4 hours to pay their respects to the Queen, leaving piles of flowers and handwritten notes.
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Thank you for your kind words. Yes, the Queen had an incredible impact across the world.😊
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It’s so true, she has always been there for so many of us – and she really was a remarkable women when tbh many women weren’t on the world stage. I have to say though that I was surprised by what seems genuine affection from the French (and for the reasons you mention!) but have also been impressed by President Macron and his tributes and actions during this very strange time. Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
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It has been a very strange time and quite unsettling in many ways. For a Republican country, it has always surprised and amused me how much France loved the Queen, although not everyone of course! Thanks for your comment. #PoCoLo
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