On Tuesday 20 November many people around the world paused for some moments
to celebrate with the British Royal House the Diamond (60th) Wedding Anniversary of Queen
Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip.
A friend sent me a copy of the letter from King George Vl to his daughter,
then Princess Elizabeth to Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh in 1947. As I read it, my
father-heart was deeply moved.
"I was so proud of you
& thrilled at having you so close to me on our
long walk in Westminster Abbey, but when I handed your hand to the
Archbishop I felt that I had lost something very precious.
You were so calm & composed during the Service and said your words with
such conviction, that I knew everything was all right ...
I have watched you grow up all these years with pride under the skilful
direction of Mummy, who, as you know is the most marvellous person in
the World in my eyes, & I can, I know, always count on you, & now
Philip, to help us in our work. Your leaving us has left a great blank
in our lives but do remember that your old home is still yours & do come
back to it as much & as often as possible. I can see that you are
sublimely happy with Philip which is right but don't forget us is the
wish of
Your ever loving & devoted
Papa"
Surely, many fathers would identify with the sentiments expressed by King
George Vl. Sons-in-law (I too am one), take no offence; I guess that a colourful
American preacher went a little too far when he said that the day he gave away his
daughter he felt as if he had just handed her over to a gorilla.
Indeed, 60 years later ' Lilibet's Papa' would be happy to know
that "everything was all right ..." Has it been a perfect 60 years for the royal
couple? I doubt. But in these days of an alarmingly decreasing life-span of marriages we
honour them for sticking to their vows.
Somehow I believe that many people cheered on Tuesday not just because they are
monarchists, but something within us testifies that marriage should be a lifelong
commitment.
A lasting marriage - that is what children expect of their parents and that
is what parents desire for their children. To crown it all, the Author of the institution
of marriage meant it to be "till death do us part.
Gentlemen, hats off as we prepare to salute the royal couple. To Queen Elizabeth we say,
"Your Majesty." To Prince Philip we say, "Your Royal Highness."
"What therefore God hath joined together, let not
man put asunder." (Matthew 19:6)
Have a blessed weekend.
Pressing on!
In His love
Fano Sibisi
