Westminster School: Elizabeth

Queen's Diamond Jubilee Dept: I have before me on the desk on which I am writing a medal struck to commemorate the 450th anniversary of Westminster School and Elizabeth I's refounding of the Abbey Church in 1560. It sports a rare image, perhaps one that is unique: the profiles of the first and second Elizabeth superimposed on each other. There is Gloriana with her long, proud nose, tight lips and jewel-encrusted hair; and eclipsing her our present Queen, whose Diamond Jubilee we are celebrating this year and, in particular this weekend, according to Vancouver Sun. Such a dual image is rare, because from the outset of the reign of the second Elizabeth, the Queen set out to distance herself from any association with her legendary predecessor and as we mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, we celebrate values that link our monarch to her legendary predecessor - duty, strength and constancy. Elizabeth I created popular monarchy with her sure touch and Elizabeth II ensured its survival by remaining an unchanging rock In Elizabeth II's case, the features and hair, crowned with a tiara, are softer and less iconic. What unites them, however, is a purposefulness of expression. Two great queens divided from each other by some three centuries. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.