Women of the past, with the exception of a few (my Mum and my undergrad Professor), are the ones I admire. I've been infactuated with Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I since I was a child. These two women were ahead of their time, but were not ashamed to be intelligent, witty, and well-educated. They forged their own path, and did not confrom to ideals of beauty. Unlike people like Lohan, Spears, etc., who could not hold a flame to either Anne of Elizabeth, pale in comparison to the accomplishments. I only wish if I ever have a daughter someday is that she sees the same strenght and courage in Anne as I do, and she will follow Anne as a role model.

Bella44, your household will learn more from Anne of the Thousand Days than any show about plastic surgery, etc. I applaud you!

Boleynfan said:

I completely agree, DuchessofBrittany. This is off-topic, but just wondering, why is your username 'DuchessofBrittany'? I'm  trying to think of Brittany, but not much is coming to mind.

And I would watch Anne of the Thousand Days anytime as well!!

I too love Anne of the Thousand Days. Genevieve Bujold is a fantastic Anne.

I chose the name Duchess of Brittany because some of my ancestors (through my maternal grandmother) was the Duke and Duchess of Brittany. My closest royal relation, as far as my geneological research shows. I hope this answers your questions.

I'm sorry about your mother, Sharon.

I see what you're saying: the people worthy to be role models are still here, they're just not as widely acknowledged as “role models” such as celebrities. I agree completely.

Sharon and wreckmasterjay, you guys hit it right on the nail. There are still the “Anne Boleyns” and “Elizabeths” out there, they just aren't the catty girls on reality TV.

Thank you Gina. How could I ever have forgotten Oprah. 

When you say women of our time do us a disservice, you mean women like Paris Hilton who spent last night in jail, right?… LOL  They have a chance to do such good in this world and they do drugs and get arrested.  Such a sad commentary.

I have to agree with Bella44.  Paris Hilton-have nothing against her but nothing for her either.

oprah and hilary clinton-while I am not huge fans I respect them for being such strong woman and speaking their opinion. espically hilary for not cowering back at the US presidency and saying 'oh everyone else is male so theres no point in me doing anything'. same with oprah for not saying i'm worth less I got molested as a child, instead she used that to pick herself up and create a billion dollar industry.

I personally admire princess diana because she was not afraid to go against royalty (again nothing against her majesty the queen, or her family if I ever met her I would probably faint instead of bow) but how diana was real and spoke to the people instead looking as they were below her and she didn't do this aggressively she seemed so sweet.  she touched a lot of peoples hearts and I think thats amazing. it was like you could just sit down and have a good conversation with her and she would listen and be interested in your thoughts and not so cold and distant.  and when she passed away all the flowers left outside the palace-it was like wow you touched that many peoples hearts you must really have been something special.  thats why I admire her.

ps. sharon-so sorry to hear about your mother.

I'm sorry about your mother too, Sharon 🙁

I agree with this all. Princess Diana, Oprah and Hilary Clinton (whether or not you like them, you have to respect them at least to some extent), etc are all like our modern Annes and Elizabeths, don't you think? (Although in my mind, no one will ever be able to live up to either of them, who are two of my role models!)

Lucky you to meet the Duke and Duchess of Windsor! What were they like? Off topic a bit, but I think I remember seeing a genealogy tree that showed the Windsor House to be descended from Mary Boleyn Carey, but perhaps I'm wrong. I pore through so many Tudor family trees it's hard to keep track of it all!

Thank you ladies for voicing your sympathy.

In 500 years women will hopefully look to our present day women, Oprah, Hillary & Diana etc. and feel towards them the way we feel towards Anne and Elizabeth.  I admire all of these women today, but I know there are some who do not.  These are the women of the 60's  women's movement.  I always used to say that I was not a feminist.  But now I own the title.  It doesn't mean we hate men.  It means we will work beside them.  There is no walking a step behind them.  It means we will be equal to them.  It means we are able and willing to stand up and fight for what we believe in.  Anne and Elizabeth would fit right in with the modern day woman.  Wouldn't they love to see us today? It would be a dream come true for them, i think.   Off my soapbox. 

Yes, I was in the hospital for spinal surgery when I was 14.  The Duchess was on another floor having surgery on her feet.  The Duke was going to a dinner one night and stopped to say hello to all the kids.  We were on stretchers at one end of the hall.  When he turned the corner, everyone just stopped talking and we were all stunned. (that's how I know I would freeze if I met the Queen..LOL)   He had on a black tuxedo, with the long coattails.  His shirt was white and he wore a white tie and white sash.  He had a red, white and blue ribbon across his chest.  He was one of the handsomest man I'd ever seen.  He had such a warm personality.   He stayed with us for about an hour asking us questions about our surgery and our families.  Two days later, three of us were in the lobby as the Duke and Duchess were leaving.  He saw the three of us, and brought the Duchess over to our stretchers and introduced her to us.  He remembered all of our names.  It was amazing.  Something you never forget.