XN000022-1975-03-28 — Page 5

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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."