The Queen's Speech
"It is this close bond of family life that must be our greatest defence against the unknown."
As Britain and the world bids farewell to Queen Elizabeth II, I wanted to bring attention to what I believe would’ve been Her Majesty’s finest address to her people. I say “would’ve,” because this speech was never delivered. That’s because it never needed to be, thank goodness.
The speech, first revealed in 2013, was drafted as part of military exercises in spring 1983 simulating the outbreak of World War III between Anglo-America-led NATO and the Soviet Union-led Warsaw Pact. It’s not clear who the author(s) of the speech were, but informed speculation suggests it was not the Queen and, in all likelihood, she never saw the speech, at least not when it was first written.
The fact the speech was ever drafted and even dated (March 4, 1983) shows how serious the threat of WWIII, particularly nuclear war, was deemed by the British government. This was more than an exercise - it was a preparation for the real thing. Had war broken out, in spring ‘83 or at a later point, the draft would’ve likely been used in some form by the Queen to address her country and the rest of the Commonwealth.
Fortunate as we were she never had to deliver it and regardless of whether she was the author or not, you can still hear her firm, yet gentle voice when you read the words. It captures the urgency of the situation, while calmly reassuring would-be listeners: Do not despair. We will survive. Life will go on. It must. It encapsulates that “Keep Calm and Carry On,” stiff upper-lip mantra so emblematic of the Crown and Britain as a whole.
As the world, our home countries, increasingly speed towards cataclysm and upheaval, may her un-uttered words be an inspiration to us all. We cannot avoid the approaching storm, but we can survive it. If you’ve read my blog and wondered, “What can we do?” read the Queen’s speech and heed her counsel. Nobody, not in 100 years, will ever come close to hitting the mark as she would’ve here.
Rest in peace, Queen Elizabeth II. May your words reverberate throughout the ages.
"When I spoke to you less than three months ago we were all enjoying the warmth and fellowship of a family Christmas.
"Our thoughts were concentrated on the strong links that bind each generation to the ones that came before and those that will follow.
"The horrors of war could not have seemed more remote as my family and I shared our Christmas joy with the growing family of the Commonwealth.
"Now this madness of war is once more spreading through the world and our brave country must again prepare itself to survive against great odds.
"I have never forgotten the sorrow and the pride I felt as my sister and I huddled around the nursery wireless set listening to my father's inspiring words on that fateful day in 1939.
"Not for a single moment did I imagine that this solemn and awful duty would one day fall to me.
"We all know that the dangers facing us today are greater by far than at any time in our long history.
"The enemy is not the soldier with his rifle nor even the airman prowling the skies above our cities and towns but the deadly power of abused technology.
"But whatever terrors lie in wait for us all the qualities that have helped to keep our freedom intact twice already during this sad century will once more be our strength.
"My husband and I share with families up and down the land the fear we feel for sons and daughters, husbands and brothers who have left our side to serve their country.
"My beloved son Andrew is at this moment in action with his unit and we pray continually for his safety and for the safety of all servicemen and women at home and overseas.
"It is this close bond of family life that must be our greatest defence against the unknown.
"If families remain united and resolute, giving shelter to those living alone and unprotected, our country's will to survive cannot be broken.
"My message to you therefore is simple. Help those who cannot help themselves, give comfort to the lonely and the homeless and let your family become the focus of hope and life to those who need it.
"As we strive together to fight off the new evil let us pray for our country and men of goodwill wherever they may be.
"God bless you all."
Max Remington writes about armed conflict and prepping. Follow him on Twitter at @AgentMax90.
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