Thursday 14 February 2013

Power to the Queen!

For the first time in its history BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour has drawn up a power list of 100 women in Britain.  The list addressed who are the movers and shakers who shape the way we live today? Which women have the greatest impact on British politics, society, culture and the economy?

And The Queen topped the list. 

What is the secret of her power?

Soft power
"The kind of power she wields is soft – as opposed to hard. Her Majesty’s power is more about influence – a discreet nod of the head, a polite word in the ear of a Prime Minister at their weekly meeting, or a strategic patronage of a cause being overlooked by the Government – is how she can indirectly effect our world without us even knowing."

Her Olympic turn
“Can you imagine any other head of state agreeing to play a part in an Olympic opening ceremony where they meet ‘James Bond’ at home and then allow a stunt double to make it look as if they had parachuted into the stadium? What confidence in democracy and your position you must have to do that. And it didn’t backfire,” muses Eve Pollard (who chaired the panel of judges).

Age = experience = power
"Age and power are linked and I am happy this is reflected in the list [the average age of those in the power list is 53]. Age and experience are so important. These women in this list aren’t just powerful; they are role models too.”  Dame Jenni Murray, co-presenter of Woman’s Hour.

Her Majesty’s ‘glow’
Most people who have met the Queen talk about this incredible aura she has, which draws you in and how she instantly commands respect. 

Permanence is power
Frank Prochaska, who has written several royal history books, cites that a major reason why the Queen will always and should always trump other women on a power list is because of her permanence.  Unlike other European monarchs she will not abdicate.  And unlike others she can not be sacked.

Silence is golden
But how does the Queen keep her power? The secret is in her silence. She keeps it by saying nothing. If you say nothing, according to Prochaska, you rarely offend anyone.  The minute a monarch, or any of the royals say anything remotely political or opinionated, they alienate people and they lose some power.

Read the complete Power List here.

What do you think? Should the Queen have won? And if not, who would you put in her place as the most powerful woman in Britain today?

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/9862997/Is-the-Queen-the-most-powerful-woman-in-Britain.html


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