The Queen is Dead -- Long Live the Queen

Not saying there is anything conspiratorial going on - but with all the talk about the planning of this day - I almost wonder if a) she died, suddenly b) the palace announces her health has "taken a turn" and family members have been beckoned - allowing the nation to prepare emotionally c) at an appropriate hour (daylight hours of course) - the final word goes out.
I'm guessing that BBC anchor - the Cronkite of Britain - doesn't show up for work every day with a black coat and tie.

 

And Louis XIV breathes a sigh of relief as he holds onto the title of verified longest reigning monarch by 625 days.

List of longest-reigning monarchs - Wikipedia

The closest living challenger, Hassanal Bolkiah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien III of Brunei, with just under 55 years, is but a mere pup at 76.

 

There are closets at the BBC (and the other British networks) containing the black coats, ties and accessories only to be worn on occasion of royal deaths. Honest.

 

I have no doubt - I imagine the American networks do as well. I'm still secretly and shamelessly hoping some signifigant news event happens when Today and the other morning shows are doing their stupid Halloween episodes. Though, I do think they've started taping those early to avoid such a thing. Would have been a hoot seeing Matt Lauer dressed up as Count Dracula or Jack Sparrow announce the death of Mandela.

 

And Louis XIV was succeeded by Louis XV, who reigned for 58 years — meaning France had two rulers over a span of 131 years.
Louis XVI came next and got 15 years on the throne, but it didn't end very well.

 

The France family ruled NASCAR about the same way. Two old guys, then one screwup.

 

Years ago my wife and I were out for a low-key dinner and found ourselves sitting near a gaggle of 65-/70-ish women having themselves a fine old time. Turns out they were heading over the way to see a show by Herman's Hermits. I remember thinking, damn, that's an awful lotta trouble for a 10-minute concert.

 

It’s crazy to me to think William is a year older than me. I may not make it past him let alone George and his kids.

Right now the simplest chance is if something happens to George before he has kids. And even then, we have to wait out William.

 

There's a good chance Elizabeth II is England's last queen for at least a century or two, right?

 

Haha. I saw Peter Noone a couple of years ago. Right when he was introduced, before he said one word, some moron in the audience shouted "Henry the Eighth." Noone just looked at him and shook his head. Somebody should have punched that guy and told him they never sing their signature song first.

 

If George has a son, easy 100 years. And then a grandson, 200 isn’t beyond the realm.