Two Thousand Twenty-Two marks the seventieth anniversary of Queen Elizabeth the Second’s accession to the Throne of Great Britain.

Her appeal to large numbers of Americans is curious. To many, she represents grace and elegance. Others admire her steadfast sense of purpose. For a few, it may simply be the fact that she has endured so long.

Whatever the source of her appeal, it is undeniable.

This podcast explores that popularity and then contrasts Queen Elizabeth II with the great Medieval King, Saint Ferdinand of Castile and León.

This may seem an odd pairing, but the two have many commonalities. First, both possessed a true concept of the role of the monarch as an inspiration to their people. Second, both made great sacrifices, albeit in very different ways, for their people. Third, and perhaps most important, both possessed a quality that can be called "steel in the spine," a dogged determination to do the best job that they could to lead their people.

To read the articles in their original printed formats, please use the following links - A Symbol of Stability in a Gelatinous World - Return to Order and King Saint Ferdinand III and His Conquests for Christ - Return to Order.

Thank you for listening.