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As the Queen came to the throne the same year I was born (l952) and was crowned the same year as I was Christened (l953) it never occurred to me that I would have my biggest birthday so far – 70th – without her on the throne.
That said, although I wept all through the long day of the funeral, in my heart of hearts, I wasn’t sad. She had given us 70 years of devoted service, she didn’t suffer a long illness (or if she did, we didn’t know about it) and died very quickly. I felt far sadder when Prince Philip died, as it left our Queen on her own. The site of her, a tiny figure in black, at Westminster Abbey, with no one to put an arm round her was truly heart-breaking.
So how do I feel about being seventy? Pretty good, actually. I started my day at about 2 in the morning when I woke up in the night, by listening to my favourite podcast. This is one my daughter put me onto. It’s Parenting Hell by Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicome. It’s very funny, full of bad language and is about small children. What’s not to love? I prefer it to other podcasts designed for older, Radio 4 listening women. I don’t always get to hear the end before I doze off, but that’s ok. I can catch up.
I think, while you have your health, which, apart from a minor heart issue, I do have, old age has a lot to recommend it. For example, if you’re sharing lifts, I can claim to front passenger seat as I am the oldest and fattest. You are quite good at quizzes as you’ve picked up a lot of knowledge over the years. While it’s very likely you are unable to retrieve the information, if you’re with others, this can turn into an amusing parlour game. During Pointless my husband and I (I have turned into the Queen!) share the question answering. I know the answer but can’t get it out. He interprets what I mean from the clues I give him. That’s what 50 years of marriage gets you.
I’m not retiring yet. I don’t know how I’d fill my days if I didn’t write, and ‘time off’ would be no fun if you didn’t feel slightly guilty for skiving.
So my plans for the future include, getting far brighter frames for my glasses, wearing brighter colours and generally having even more fun than I have up to now.
My advice for younger readers of this – don’t dread the big birthdays, there’s still lots of fun to be had, even if you do find yourself listening to podcasts not designed for your delicate ears.
Diane Klena says...
Congratulations on your 70th birthday! I, too, watched the Queen’s funeral in it’s entirety which for me started at 5a.m, and finished at noon. I had my Sadler Edinburgh Castle teapot, thistle cup, Scottish tea and of course a scone. I was particularly impressed with the pallbearers who carried the coffin up those steps at Windsor! I was holding my breath. I can’t help but wonder if their shoulders have recovered!
October 03, 2022
Congratulations on your 70th birthday! I, too, watched the Queen’s funeral beginning here for me at 5 a.m. and ending at noon. I had my Scottish teapot ( Edinburgh castle- Sadler) , my Scottish tea, thistle china cup and of course a scone.It was a grand and well deserved send off for her. I was very impressed with the pall bearers and held my breath when they carried the coffin up the steps at Windsor. I wonder if their shoulders have recovered.
Sue says...
I was born in 1952 as well, and I was fortunate to celebrate my birthday while the Queen was still alive. Old age is wonderful, and not a privilege that everyone gets to enjoy. Love your books Katie!
alison samuel says...
Belated Happy 70th Birthday Katie. I am not many years behind you & sadly do not share your good health, but what great ideas you have to get older with. Maybe I too will brighten myself up & start growing old disgracefully.
Heather Dale says...
Happy Belated Birthday to Katie. Such a wonderful, inspirational woman. I met her once at a talk at my local library which was a joy. Looking forward to many more of Katie’s books x