British Billy sings the National Anthem

  • Published
  • By British Billy
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  As a patriotic pet, I am always sure to rise from my slumbers and stiffen my whiskers whenever our national anthem plays. During the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics recently, my patriotism resulted in frequent interruptions to my sleeping pattern as Team GB performed rather splendidly.

A number of my American chums have approached me recently to enquire why we use their song, "My country, 'tis of thee," as our national anthem. I have had to inform them that we were using it first. However, it would seem that this soul-stirring melody has some history of its own.

Although not certain, it seems most likely that the tune to "God Save the Queen" was loosely based on a hymn sung when the French king, Louis XIV, arrived at an event in 1686. The French, apparently, did not use it again until 1745, at which time James Edward Stuart, claiming to be King James III of England, was organising his rebellion from France. The story goes that he was presented with the words and music to be his national anthem.

The performance that led to an explosion in the popularity of "God Save the King" took place in London in September 1745 at the Drury Lane Theatre and concurrently at the Covent Garden Theatre for several nights running. The song was intended to show support for King George II, following the defeat of Gen. John Cope at Prestonpans, Scotland. This battle was the opening salvo in the war against Charles Edward Stuart, often known as "Bonnie Prince Charlie," King George's rival for the throne.

The lyrics of "My Country, 'tis of thee" were written in 1831 by the Rev. Samuel Francis Smith, who found that they fitted nicely with the tune of "God Save the Queen". Another interesting snippet of trivia I have uncovered is that it is also the tune of the national anthem of Liechtenstein. This leads to a degree of confusion whenever Liechtenstein plays England at football.

When the United Kingdom finally does crown a new monarch, it will, without doubt, be a King. Prince Charles, the Queen's eldest son, will probably become King Charles III, although some say he might decide to change his name, as have some monarchs in the past. Not just the national anthem's words will change, of course; a new head will appear on our coins and stamps as well.

If he is looking for a good name to replace 'Charles', then William would be my suggestion -  then we could call him King Billy. Sounds good to me.