The Great Escape

It’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words. These might launch a thousand questions. I don’t know, something about these pics just won’t set right. And try as you might, you can’t stop looking at them. Is it the Queen’s attire, almost disguise-like meant to blend-in or evade? Is it her positioning in the driver’s seat SUPER-pressed up against the steering wheel? Is it her safety-FIRST attention to detail? Or stepping back a bit, did we know the Queen could drive? Well why wouldn’t she; she’s just like you and me — but NOT. And then of course the late Prince Philip loved driving his Range Rover, oftentimes calling Geico and a boom tow truck as a consequence. Stepping back even further, concerning news that the world’s longest serving head-of-state is under doctor’s orders to rest for two weeks helps to explain things further. It’s well known the Queen adores her beloved Corgis above all else. Windsor Castle and the estate it anchors is set amidst 13 painstakingly manicured acres. Walking her dogs is a no-no, anti-restful. So she did what any of us would do. She rummaged for her keys in the wicker basket next to the iron gated portcullis, looked over her shoulder as she quietly tippytoed across the fog enshrouded over-moat drawbridge, summoned her Corgis when the coast was clear and hopped into her chariot, an emerald green Jaguar X-Type (a station wagon, no less). And that’s when the Queen’s Corgis yelped: PUNCH IT! There is a serenity, wonder and independence all wrapped up perfectly in these photos. This is how the monarch walks her dogs. All hail the Queen!