What Happens When The Queen Dies?

A fascinating look from Business Insider:

Queen Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God Queen of this Realm and of Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, is not going to live forever. Since ascending to the throne in 1952, the monarch has seen 12 Prime Ministers serve Britain, and lived through another 12 US Presidents. She's now 88. At some point — not for many years yet, we hope — Queen Elizabeth II's reign will come to an end. But what happens then?

For at least 12 days — between her passing, the funeral and beyond — Britain will grind to a halt. It'll cost the British economy billions in lost earnings. The stock markets and banks will close for an indefinite period. And both the funeral and the subsequent coronation will become formal national holidays, each with an estimated economic hit to GDP of between £1.2 and £6 billion, to say nothing of organisational costs.

But to focus on the financial disruption doesn't begin to describe the sheer magnitude of it. It will be an event unlike anything Britain has ever seen before. There will be trivial disruptions — the BBC will cancel all comedy shows, for example — and jarring cultural changes. Prince Charles may change his name, for instance, and the words of the national anthem will be changed, too.

Hit the link for much, much more.

Meanwhile At Buckingham Palace...

Britain's Express reports:

The flamboyant potter, renowned for his ceramic artwork depicting his darkest and most private feelings, wore an elegant midnight blue dress and matching fitted jacket with a wide-brimmed hat decorated with what appeared to be ostrich feathers. Perry, 53, once described Claire as "a cross between Katie Boyle and Camilla Parker-Bowles" but when reminded of it today, he laughed and said: "This is my Italian mother of the bride outfit." He admitted that his choice of outfit had been upper most in his thoughts when he heard the news that he was to be awarded the CBE for services to contemporary art. "When I got the call my first thought was: what am I going to wear? It's a serious thing. I'm not going to compromise my identity as Britain's pre-eminent transvestite. I Googled to see what people wore and went for the sexier end. I always do like the older woman who makes an effort."

Charles was giggling because he couldn't get the ribbon over the giant hat, not because Grayson was in drag. The press did note, however, that the investiture was scheduled for January when the Queen is usually out of town. Grayson, who is straight, first came to public notice in the early 80s when he and Boy George would go clubbing together. His wife and daughter were present for the ceremony. While today's outfit was suitably subdued for the occasion, Grayson usually looks like this. (Tipped by JMG reader Glenneth)

BRITAIN: Prince Charles Bestows MBE Upon Leader Of LGBT Chorus Charity

Back in June, I reported that Martin Brophy, founder of Britain's Fruitvox charity and member of the London Gay Men's Chorus, would be among those receiving Queen Elizabeth's birthday honors for his "services to music." Today Brophy received his Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) from Prince Charles.