Queen Elizabeth in Italy

Her majesty, Queen Elizabeth has just returned from a very successful visit to Italy despite the fact that the trip seemed destined to become a Public Relations disaster when it was leaked that the Queen was not to be served garlic, a cooking staple in certain regions of Italy. It was further rumored that not only does HM bring a supply of British bottled water for her and Prince Philip, she also brings along her own white, kidskin toilet seat. (Not so say the Palace Machine, Prince Charles is the royal who travels with his own throne seat. Thank you for clearing that up.) Upon her arrival at Ciampino Airport in Italy her luggage toppled the cart it was being loaded on to spilling the Royal garment bags and hatboxes all over the tarmac. I'm sure this was not the grand entrance she was hoping for.

As is so often the case, Queen Elizabeth not only overcame she conquered. During a State Banquet on Monday, the Queen expressed, "heartfelt sympathy to all those in both our countries who have been affected by these disasters," showing her compassion for the flood victims in Italy and at home. She expressed her pleasure at being able to visit during the millennium year. She noted the struggle for freedom still underway to the east of Italy and complimented the government for its stability in the wake of these circumstances. She stressed the cooperation and integration that is the basis of the Italian-British relationship. "It give me special pleasure, President Ciampi, to recognize that popular affection and shared interests of the present, as well as our common approaches to the future, combined always with a celebration of such a rich past, are at the heart of our relationship today," summarized Her Majesty.

She was applauded for the diplomacy she displayed during her visit with Pope John Paul II, head of the Roman Catholic Church. (She is head of the Church of England.) The Queen noted the good works of the Pope especially his focus on the alleviation of poverty and bridging the gap between the two religions, a source of division in Northern Ireland. "I am pleased to note the important progress that has been made in overcoming historic differences between Anglicans and Roman Catholics." The Queen also remarked, "We are most grateful for your help and support for this process." The Pope's remarks were equally positive. ""There can be no turning back from the ecumenical goal we have set ourselves," he affirmed. It was certainly a historic occasion.

Other highlights of the visit included walkabouts, a luncheon with the Prime Minister and other dignitaries in which a dish of goat and chestnut was served, and a visit with Rome's Mayor Francesco Rutelli. There was a laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a performance at the La Scala Opera House in Milan. She was said to display obvious Royal delight as the La Scala Philharmonic, conducted by Riccardo Mutti, led a special performance of both national anthems. It was reported that she took pleasure in an artist's exhibition of a life-size cardboard cutout of her corgi, Phoenix, made from an image he downloaded from the net. Also in Milan she was greeted by hundreds of children who waved the Union Jack in her honor.

None of this came as any surprise to me; however, I was taken aback by all the attention paid to her wardrobe, which was highly praised throughout the trip. There was the black suit worn with a pillbox hat with veil for the visit to the Vatican. There was the mention of the black handbag, which she further impressed with by removing a lipstick from it and using it to touch hers up. Also mentioned was her lilac suit. The Queen always dresses appropriately, but this is the first time I recall reading such vivid, complimentary write-ups. I don't think I've seen such ado over any royal wardrobe since the days of the late Diana, Princess of Wales - and to think all could've been lost out on the airport tarmac.

In conclusion, the best summation made of the trip had to be by Richard Owen of the Times. His article, "Romans wooed by Queen's Magic" said it all in the title. It was a short, powerful visit in which Her Majesty showed the Italians the dignity and grace that the world's best-loved Queen possesses. A Queen that has lived a long dutiful life, survived two world wars and has always behaved in the manner dictated by protocol, a manner that has given stability to the United Kingdom and her Commonwealth for nearly fifty years. "God save the Queen!"

Well, you'll be happy to know that my dsl modem and cable splitter have finally arrived. I will now be hooked up and ready to receive your mail on a daily basis, get my column in before the eleventh hour and search the net instead of my bookcase when I need a fact. Thank heavens, as I'd hate to end the first year of the 21st Century by not catching up with the technology of the 20th Century. :-}

Next week I'd like to write about Princess Diana's very effective parenting style.

All the best,