The connection between automobiles and members of the British Royal Family
2022 was a turbulent year, with leaders of many countries suffering tragic news
Queen Elizabeth II has passed away at the age of 96 (1926–2022)
// Queen Elizabeth: The Elegant "Car Mechanic" //
In 1945, towards the end of World War II, Princess Elizabeth, who had turned 18, successfully persuaded her father, King George VI, to accept her decision to join the army to support the rear. She then joined the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service as an honorary second lieutenant, completing driving and car repair training. This experience earned the Queen the affectionate title of "Princess Auto Mechanic," as well as the World War II Defense Medal and the World War II War Medal
This humble experience of "condescension" seems to have benefited the Queen quite a bit
The Queen excitedly told her friends at the time, "Everything I'm learning, from cars to complex map reading, is completely new. I've never worked so hard before."
The Queen of England, by acting as a car mechanic to fight against foreign enemies, demonstrated the spirit of Noblesse Oblige, personally contributing to the country and boosting national morale
// Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth's husband: "Farewell to himself" with Land Rover //
Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, is a car enthusiast, especially fond of the British brand Land Rover
The elderly Prince of the Philippines insisted on driving around until he was involved in a car accident in 2019, after which he reluctantly gave up driving
The enlightened man requested that a Land Rover be used as his hearse to "bid farewell." According to reports, he had been secretly designing and overseeing the modification of the Defender TD5 130 since 2003, a process that took sixteen years
Land Rover CEO Thierry Bollore stated that the Prince of the Philippines has a deep understanding of vehicle design and technology, and has visited the car factory many times to provide advice, demonstrating the Prince's passion for automobiles
In 2021, the Prince of the Philippines passed away, "riding" in his favorite car on his final journey
//A close friend bids farewell and departs from this city//
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip have been in love for over 70 years, supporting each other through thick and thin. Now, the British mascot, Burlington Bear, will surely lead the Queen to her husband for a reunion in heaven
Throughout her life, the Queen fulfilled her promise to dedicate herself to the nation, leading post-World War II Britain through numerous upheavals and laying the foundation for modern Britain. She also made significant contributions to making Hong Kong, a small island nation, internationally renowned
My dear friend bids farewell and departs from this city; may the Queen rest in peace
References:
hkwatershed: "May the Queen reunite with her husband in heaven in eternal happiness" 9-9-2022; "Medals Tell Stories: Queen Elizabeth II" 2-6-2022;
Vanishing.hongkong Street Film: "Street Film Documentary: A Look Back at the Queen's Visit to Hong Kong" 30-6-2022;
cup.com.hk: "The Starting Point of the Queen's Service to the Country - Car Repair" 11-5-2022;
Ming Pao: "Prince of the Philippines Passes Away | Prince of the Philippines' Personally Designed Hearse Revealed, Featuring His Favorite Brand Land Rover, Painted Military Green to Reflect His Military Background" 16-4-2021