10 Things I Learned from Her Majesty the Queen

By Rabbi Shimon Posner – Chabad of Rancho Mirage, California

1. I represent something greater than myself.​​​​​
The focus might be on me, but it’s not about me. It’s about something that was here long before I came around and I did not earn it.

2. Popularity fluctuates, dignity endures.​​​​​​
Hits, likes and retweets are for transients. Just put one good foot in front of the other.

3. Hat and coat should be matching colors.​​
And take that from a Chabad rabbi!

4. Greet personably, smile appropriately.​​​​
Notice how when nervous commoners approach she maintains eye contact and eases the conversation.

5. No one can steal your dignity.​​​​​​​
Appalling family, rude diplomats and bad luck might be her headache but it’s not her problem. Acting appropriately is a vocation, once surrendered it’s harder to retrieve.

6. Eat minimally.

7. Keep private things private.​​​​​​​​

8. Those who knock you the most, need you the most.​​​
This is a tricky one. Your attempt at aristocracy threatens those who’d prefer lowering the common denominator over raising it. Their revolt tells us that you are their barometer of decency, which threatens them: that is why they cannot ignore you, or openly respect you.)

9. My sphere of influence has no geography.

10. You can only inherit so much, after that it’s hard work.

And one more:
11. Commoners can be aristocratic; royals can be without virtue.
The genuinely aristocratic elicit the best in people, those who think they “have a common touch” are often just common. Majesty means focusing on others to the point of self-effacement. Do that often enough and Her Majesty will become Your Majesty.