On the members of the Royal Family devolve many duties and responsibilities. The burdens they bear are not light and yet must be borne with the fortitude and dignity expected of those who occupy high position in society. Not many who understand anything of what is required of the Queen and other members of the Royal Family would envy them the position which they have inherited. Yet, having inherited their position with its many burdens, anxieties and difficulties (as well as its advantages and compensations), the members of the Royal House do endeavour to discharge their duties to the best of their ability.
The example which the Queen and her family set is important as it affects the whole nation. If the Queen and other members of the Royal Family set a good example then it is of benefit to the whole nation. If a bad example is set, then that example, being so conspicuous, is to the detriment of the nation. That the Queen has set a good example in many ways before the nation cannot be denied. In those ways in which she has come short as, for example, her failure to give due regard to the claims of the Lord’s Day, it is to be regretted. Such failures ought to make us more earnest at a Throne of grace that Her Majesty would be converted through the saving operations of God, the Holy Spirit. In this way and by the help of divine grace she would be enabled to set before the nation the example, not only of a high moral standard, but the example of a godly life. The effect of such an example would be far reaching.
It is with regret that we refer to events which have recently affected the Royal Household in the legal separation announced between H.R.H. Princess Margaret and her husband, the Earl of Snowdon. In recent times the incidence of divorce and separation has risen to alarming proportions. The example of this separation within the Royal Family will tend to aggravate the situation. It is indeed to be regretted that this has come about in a day when the family unit is increasingly under attack.
Satan is active today in seeking to undermine the stability of ordered society. He is attempting to destroy the Christian foundations on which a truly stable society rests. His aim is to create dispeace and confusion in homes and in nations so as to create conditions most suited for the advancement of his kingdom.
The Divine Law affecting marriage applies to the Royal household as well as to ordinary families. Any loose views on the marriage tie, the Word of God condemns. As the Confession of Faith states: “Although the corruption of man be such as is apt to study arguments unduly to put asunder those whom God hath joined together in marriage: yet, nothing but adultery, or such wilful desertion as can no way be remedied by the Church, or civil magistrate, is cause sufficient of dissolving the bond of marriage: wherein, a public and orderly course of proceeding is to be observed; and the persons concerned in it not left to their own wills, and discretion, in their own case.”
In view of the sad event which has occurred, we are reminded anew of the need that the Royal Family have of being remembered constantly in the prayers of the Lord’s people. “I exhort, therefore”, the Apostle says, “that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” May we be enabled to fulfil this duty and so discharge our obligation to the Royal Family who endeavour, on their part, to fulfil their duty towards us.