To Be A Queeeeeen!

I just watched The Young Victoria. And yes, in fact, I do highly recommend this delightful movie. First of all, I must say that Emily Blunt is quickly becoming my fave. Actress, that is. She is delightful and just so subtly beautiful and enchanting. And when she laughs. Even though I know it is only a movie, I imagine that she is like that in real life. It's spontaneous and it feels honest. I bet she had lots of boyfriends. Because boys like it when you laugh at their humor.

I digress. As per usual. So to be a queen. We girls grow up with this idea of the glamorous life we would lead. The opulent balls we would go to in the finest of gowns to dance with dashing young men. We would have all our heart's desire. If only we could be a queen.

But no one tells you about real queens. You hear about the princesses in the fairy tales. And for those fine females, things turn out splendiforous.

Not so in the real world.

Real life queens get the shaft, yo! Forget about glamor. Forget about fine silk and balls. You may have those things but they come with a high price indeed.

1. The price of being political pawn in the hands of conspiring fathers (or other male relatives)
2. Being sought out and used by those with political and social ambition
3. Being torn between loyalty to family and loyalty to self or to country
4. A deep distrust of anyone around you because who knows what they may be after
5. Citizenry that expect that you, as "God's anointed", will be perfect and who turn on you the moment you disappoint

I wouldn't have wanted to be Victoria. She was thrust into a life of service to her people. But she never got to make that choice for herself. And people around her were not always trustworthy. I think she was one of the lucky ones, still. At least she married someone she loved and who loved her in return. That is something. I can't imagine being Queen Elizabeth, alone in shouldering the weight of the kingdom, on her own, mistrustful of men who would use her to their own advantage, all because she was both female and the Queen.

Anyway...the movie was beautiful and so was the story. I should have watched it sooner! In fact, I can't wait to watch it again. That, and for all my life's difficulties, for my own suffering and hurt, I would not trade places with any queen of any country. Ever. I much prefer my quiet life, sans extravagant balls and sumptuous silk dresses. Because this life of mine, it's filled with possibilities and choices, without all that pressure!