quote:

Originally posted by 2Adefender:
Why the code phrase “London Bridge is down”? I mean, just say the Queen is dead. For crying out loud.

Good spycraft, after all she jumped out of a helicopter with James Bond to open the 2012 Olympics. MI6 would be nothing without secret stuff.

It does beg the question: what is the code phrase if the London Bridge were to collapse?

quote:

It does beg the question: what is the code phrase if the London Bridge were to collapse?

Oh, shite!

That whole thing sounds like typical Internet fake news .

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:

quote:

It does beg the question: what is the code phrase if the London Bridge were to collapse?

Oh, shite!

The code phrase for London Bridge actually falling down is "Surfing conditions at Lake Havasu!"

Hey, two more days and I can post that scene from Unforgiven without feeling like a callous jerk.

It will be sad to see Elizabeth pass when she does, for all the reasons so thoroughly explained already. But do we really need to start pre-emptively wiping away our tears for the queen just before and during Independence Day? Most of the rest of the year, I don’t think you would have gotten some of the replies you have, OP, including my own.

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
I think the Queen Mum is a class act. I too remember her support during the aftermath of 9-11.
A true overseas supporter of the US and an amazing record of service for country.
I will hate to see her go.

I think you mean the Queen, Elizabeth II. The Queen Mother was her mother, Mary. She, I think, was called "Queen" by courtesy, being married to the King, but wasn't THE Queen, of course. The current Queen is definitely not the Queen Mother.

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:

quote:

It does beg the question: what is the code phrase if the London Bridge were to collapse?

Oh, shite!

Double shite, since the current London Bridge is a pier and steel girder bridge built in 1973. It is a wholly unremarkable, modern bridge.

Many people think the Tower Bridge is London Bridge, but it isn't. It is the Tower Bridge, which was built at the end of the 19th century, although it looks older in some respects.

quote:

Originally posted by SPWAMike0317:

It does beg the question: what is the code phrase if the London Bridge were to collapse?

What you mean to say is that it "raises the question."

I have been fortunate to meet her Majesty on one occasion and His Royal Highness on two occasions - I have a photograph of being given a decoration by HRH Prince Philip that was the highlight of my life

I'm an American, Canadian by birth and I understand the monarchy as well as I think any Canadian can. Her likeness appears on our currencies.

The pomp and circumstance, history and customs are worth it - as political leaders, not so much, but for the continuity of history I think its been a great thing to watch (and at times up close).

I will mourn her passing. I hope it isn't soon.

quote:

Originally posted by tacfoley:
if I might be permitted to say so without attracting the usual untoward and unwelcome comments.

tac, I apologize to you if any of my comments in other threads fell into this category. I never meant any disrespect to you. I have the highest respect for you and your service to your Country.

quote:

Originally posted by nhtagmember:
I have been fortunate to meet her Majesty on one occasion and His Royal Highness on two occasions
< snip >

I am jealous.

Meeting her would be a major event in my life.

quote:

What will happen when the Queen of England dies?

Duh...she will quit breathing!

HRH was very well briefed on me and what I was doing so when we spoke, he immediately put me at ease by asking the right questions

he was a very personable person, very smart

I met the Queen in a receiving line and it was a quick bow, a hand shake, an easy question and then move on

If there was anyone I could ever want to have dinner with, I think it would be the Queen - the history she has seen firsthand and the history she has created is quite remarkable

the only person I can think of here in the US that would have had the same impact on history would have been Neil Armstrong

quote:

Originally posted by nhtagmember:

Okay, I've been here a while and somehow missed your Canadian roots- and haven't seen you mention the Decoration by HRH either. That is pretty freaking cool. I wonder how many other members here could claim a decoration or citation of honor from a head or figurehead of state?
I won't pry but I imagine that is a cool story worth thanks (though, I suspect you would be all, "'twas nothing" or "just doing my job" about it.)

I digress.

I agree that the whole Monarchy thing isn't my cup of tea or political structure of choice- but England/ GB HAS been an ally worth having.... While I don't want to WATCH a wedding of ANYONE, royal or not, and probably not a funeral either- I do like to observe history and try to understand it at least.


Thanks to all those knowledgeable who have posted here!

quote:

Originally posted by deepocean:

quote:

Originally posted by tacfoley:
if I might be permitted to say so without attracting the usual untoward and unwelcome comments.

tac, I apologize to you if any of my comments in other threads fell into this category. I never meant any disrespect to you. I have the highest respect for you and your service to your Country.

My comment was not aimed at anybody in particular, and certainly not you, Sir. I bumble along with 95% of the people on this great forum of ours, and try very hard not to let the others get up my nose too much. But it's like being the only figure in the fairground target shooting booth that's wearing the hat - I'm a personage, almost unique as far as I know - who really stands out as a non-American.

Best

tac

I respect Queen Elizabeth. She drove trucks in WW2, and she has seen it all, while maintaining her dignity. But, I am glad we do not have that dynasty in our country.

I will find the photo of myself and HRH and post it

I was very much younger way back then

I pay very little attention to the Royals. I was in agreement with Para and his sentiments regarding the media circus surrounding the recent nuptials.

However I will mourn the passing of HMtQ. Her example of leadership and service is worthy of study.

OK, my last off-topic, op, with my apologies.... and nhtagmember's permission.

quote:

Originally posted by nhtagmember:
I will find the photo of myself and HRH and post it

I was very much younger way back then

That's an awesome photograph, nhtagmember, something to proud of to be sure. It looks like HRH was genuinely pleased to present it to you.

Thank you for sharing it.