I agree with you that she was sensitive to the privations visited on her subjects during the long shutdown and did not want to arouse resentments.
It is as if feminism never happened, to hear all the moaning about Elizabeth, the most recognized and seasoned diplomat in the world, having to sit by herself. She probably would have preferred it to having to "mother" a grieving relative during the service.
Elizabeth 2 is a remarkable woman of great personal strength that has been demonstrated, proven, and proven again and again since the 1950s. It's been gauche and frankly embarrassing that an American upstart tried to boss her around and compete with her. The upstart's excuse to Oprah? "Growing up, I didn't know much about the Royal Family." (eye roll) Yet she expected to outrank senior heirs to the throne based primarily on the crowds of encouraging fans wishing well to Harry—and on clicks and likes.
The service was exquisite and deeply religious. One of the commentators said that Philip actually commissioned some of the music. He was a greatly knowledgeable and and cultured man, a treasure of Western Civilization, never puffed up and arrogant like his two older sons, even though he was also descended from Victoria and many crowned heads of Europe. His experience in childhood of his mother abandoning him when his father was sent into exile, leaving him penniless, led him never to take wealth and position for granted. He worked steadily to improve everything in his orbit in quietly practical ways, seeking little recognition.
God provided a perfect mate for Elizabeth and a wise mentor to the most profoundly historic and influential nation in what was once called "Christendom."
RIP to a genuine prince of a man.
