2 -
The fact that the Queen has completely adjusted herself to
this routine is reflected by her easy grasp of organised ceremonials
everywhere as they unfold. She is never at a loss for words, instead frequently flatteringly aware of details which could be expected to
escape the notice of such a busy visitor.
The Queen has travelled more than any British monarch in the
past. She has been to distant corners of British and Commonwealth
territories not one of her predecessors would have thought possible
before the jet age.
Of this special feature of the Queen's reign, Elizabeth Longford,
biographer of royalty, once wrote: "A sense of duty is a Mountbatten-
Windsor family trait, and this has been inherited by the Queen, the
Duke, and their children. So high are the Queen's standards that new
ways of satisfying them have had to be found.
"Extensive travel by air has created a 'flying monarchy' which
can operate here, there, and everywhere.
"
"The Queen will not pause in her official reading and signing even
for one day. A week's rest? But that would mean the tide of red boxes
flowing past her.
"All the Queen allows hereself is an occasional 'breather1 in
mountains or woodland. Balmoral, a private Royal residence, is one
change, where the walks and picnics.
"Sandringham is another, where the Queen keeps her horses and
stud, and has a farm,
"But the red boxes go, too."