My country (New Zealand) is a part of the commonwealth and after hearing today's news, I felt compelled to write this little piece as my way of processing my emotions and grief over Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's passing - using this forum which I love.

God rest our Queen.

...

1926

...

Oliver frowned as he strode into the drawing room and found every single member of his staff hovering around the tall radio.

"What the Devil is everyone doing in here?"

Some of the workers jumped, but most were listening too intently to the broadcast to be bothered by his perturbed tone.

"They're broadcasting live from England. The Royal Palace has just announced the birth of the new Princess", Mrs. Pugh answered him, looking as giddy as a school girl.

"And for what reason exactly should we care?" He asked drolly.

"Well Sir, she is third in line to the throne until such time as Prince Edward produces an heir", Drake pointed out. Being British himself, he was quite invested in the monarchy, though probably not quite as gleeful about the birth of the new royal baby as his female co-workers were.

"There could be another Queen in the coming years, how exciting!" Mrs. Greer beamed.

"There could also be several less people on my payroll if you don't all get back to work", Oliver snarled at his employees who all reluctantly stepped away from the radio and returned to their duties.

Oliver's new secretary followed him to his office. "I take it you're not a Royalist then?"

"Why would I be? I'm American."

Grace rolled her eyes at him. "Well I don't suppose you could ever just be happy about someone else's good news, could you?"

The words came out of her mouth more sharply than she intended them to. Oliver's young secretary had a habit of saying exactly what was on her mind. He'd never admit to it of course, but in a way he admired her for that.

Oliver huffed loudly. "Are you excited about the birth of the new Princess?"

"Yes, very much so", she answered him self-assuredly.

"Well then, I'm happy about your good news. There!" He gave her a tight smile before walking into the office.

As Grace followed him, she couldn't help the way her lips curved into an amused grin.

…

1936

...

Oliver had been summoned by King George VI to England to be a part of the discussion and plans for Britain's response to Hitler's threatening new regime.

America had remained neutral in their involvement thus far but Oliver had developed a personal relationship with the King of England and so his allegiance lay with him and his people.

Plus, Oliver had always thought it a wise idea to keep a safe distance from the Führer, whom he considered to be rather a loose canon - a dangerous one at that.

Oliver was welcomed by the Royals and their Senior staff warmly and with gratitude for his presence.

In the past ten years, Oliver had been changed in many ways and for many different reasons. He had a family of his own now and when he met the King's family officially that evening, he met them as a family man himself, with his own wife and children on his mind and in his heart.

The young princess greeted him daintily and with confidence. She made Oliver smile as he thought about his own daughter.

"A pleasure to see you again, your highness."

"Welcome back to England, Mr. Warbucks", the young Princess Elizabeth very properly greeted him.

"Thank you very much for having me again", Oliver shook her hand with a smile.

"How is your wife Grace? And your daughter Annie?" The girl asked inquisitively and thoughtfully.

Oliver was impressed at the ten year old's memory and interest - even if the young princess had most likely been briefed before meeting him.

"They are both very well, thank you."

"Is Annie thirteen or fourteen now?"

"She's thirteen. She'll be fourteen this year."

Princess Elizabeth seemed to focus on a thought for a moment before she said, "October, if I recall?"

"That's right, yes", Oliver confirmed, his face alight with amazement. Annie and Princess Elizabeth had met each other during his last visit to England. He guessed the girls must have discussed Annie's birthday then - that was two years prior.

The young royal raised her chin in a dignified manner. "That's quite soon. Please do wish her many happy returns from me."

"I'll be delighted to, your highness and she'll be very pleased to know you've remembered her", Oliver smiled genuinely at the young royal.

Princess Elizabeth smiled gently as she continued down the line of people waiting to greet her and her family.

As she went on her way, Oliver watched her go, feeling the utmost respect for the rather remarkable child.

…

1952

...

It was a cold and dreary day when Oliver received a phone call that completely rocked him. He knew from that moment on that the world as he and everybody else knew it, was going to be changed forever. It was the end of an era, a new one about to begin.

Many of his staff who were in his employ twenty-five years ago had since retired or passed on. Everyone who worked for the Warbucks family tended to stay until the end.

Oliver's current butler Copley was summoned quickly into the room. "Copley, please ask all of the staff to meet me in the foyer immediately. As well as my family."

"Yes Sir."

Annie and her husband and their young children resided in a separate wing of the Warbucks mansion. Oliver was now semi-retired and Annie and her husband had slowly begun to take over the reins from him and Grace.

It was an arrangement that worked for them all, having each other nearby. For Annie, having her parents close meant her children saw their Grandparents every day and for Oliver it meant that the unwavering love and support he got from his dear daughter was never far away. The love and support he needed most in moments such as this.

Once the staff, Grace, Annie and her husband and children had amassed together in the foyer, Oliver relayed the news he'd just received from Washington.

"The King of England, King George the sixth is dead."

There was a somber silence from most of the staff, but for a few who let out gasps or cries of disbelief. Annie and Grace swiftly came to his side, hugging their husband and Father comfortingly.

As Oliver drew back from them, he nodded his head, drew in a deep breath and solemnly proclaimed -

"Long live the Queen."