Writing for Royalty

By Annette Cole Mastron, Communications Director for Southern Writers Magazine

Okay, I admit it. I'm fascinated by Royals, especially the British. Yes, I was a Diana-watcher, wishing for the fairytale. I love Kate Middleton, a commoner who by all accounts is navigating the tricky Royal protocols and duties with grace, while apparently having fun. I follow the blog "What Kate Wore" because it's fun and I get to see an inside look into Royal events not often seen in the states. Don't get me wrong,  I'm proud to be an American but don't you find the Royals intriguing?

The longest-reigning British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, recently celebrated her 90th birthday with multiple parties fit for a Queen. Her actual birthdate was April 21, 1926, but her official birthday was recently celebrated this month with a picnic on London's Mall with 10,000 guests.  There were many formal celebrations. According to the website set up for the event, it is a "celebration of The Queen’s life, her love of horses, her dedication to the Commonwealth and international affairs and her deep involvement with the Navy, Army and ­­­­Air Force." The Queen looked stunning in her bright green hat and matching outfit during her birthday parade and celebration. 

If you're a Royal watcher you might enjoy the website information that gives a detailed biography on Her Majesty (HM). A yearly view of the Queen's evolution can be seen through various pictures taken over her lifetime in this 90 second video from "The Telegraph." 

My all time favorite tribute to The Queen came from A. A. Milne's children's book creation Winnie the Pooh. Both were born in 1926. The Queen's birthday story was inspired by A. A. Milne and E. H. Shepard characters and written by Jane Riordan.  The sweet short story titled Winnie-the-Pooh and the Royal Birthday, follows Winnie the Pooh as he interacts with HM's great-grandson, Prince George as they navigate famous sites in London and celebrate The Queen's birthday. You can download the story for free. 

I love the fact that The Queen as the young Princess Elizabeth was a fan of the Pooh children's stories. Now, after living 90 years, her birthday is being celebrated by Pooh bear and her great-grandson, Prince George. Talk about a full circle moment for Her Majesty. Oh the things she has seen in her 64 years of service as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 

If you were to write a short story to be read by The Queen for her birthday celebration what would you write about?