The Legacy the Queen has left us – a role model for all women

We thought long and hard before we wrote this as we didn’t want to get on the bandwagon of writing about the Queen but because we felt she represented everything that we talk about in our book.

The Queen broke the mold because she was a woman of certain age growing older gracefully and publicly and still admired and respected for her glamour, beauty, elegance, and fashion style and allowed, as she aged, to be acknowledged for her wisdom and gravitas, which is normally only given to men of a certain age. Not only that she held her position until only two days before she passed away; there was no comment of “you must retire, Ma’am”, and no judgment that she should be referred to as ‘Granny’ even though she had many grandchildren.

So, for us, the Queen is a role model as she paves the way for us women to be allowed to age and have a public face and to continue to work at any age.

Staying in the full glare of the media, not made invisible or silent, she was allowed to bring her experience and knowledge into her role.

She was never identified solely as a grandmother, mother, or wife, although all those roles were of course acknowledged. Her job, and her dedication and commitment to it right up to the end, was highly respected and what has defined her as a person.

We want – and need – more women in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s ahead of us on the pathway, older than ourselves, to give us hope of ageing well and staying visible on our own journey.

So we thank her for the inspiration she has left us with, to continue to shine a light on all women of a certain age to be honoured, respected, and live life to the full.