1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 9

    Today is Kate Middleton's birthday. Now officially known as Duchess Catherine, the wife of Prince William and mother of a future ruler of the UK, turns 34 today. 
   
  The Royal family as always been a big deal across the pond. But for Americans, we didn't really become obsessed with their shenanigans until a young school teacher from Althrop married a big-eared prince from London. From that moment in the summer of 1981, it was all the tabloids, People Magazine, and the public defender on Night Court could focus on. Some even say it's the marriage of Chuck and Di that lead to the 24-hour need for celebrity sleaze that gave birth to outlets like Entertainment Tonight, E!, and TMZ. 

  So in honor of Kate's birthday today, lets take a look at the British royal family in 1977...

The Official Royal Family snapshot, taken in January '77.
Postcard.

     My favorite year was actually a pretty good one for Queen Elizabeth II. The year marked her 25th year on the throne and a gigantic Silver Jubilee was thrown in her honor. (Wow- that means this year with be her 65th year as the monarch of Great Britain!)

A trio of children decked out to celebrate
Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee.

      The past 40 years has seen quite a few changes to the United Kingdom. In 1977, it was a daily occurrence of some sort of terrorism and violence in relation to the occupation of Northern Ireland. Known as the troubles, the conflict in Northern Ireland was basically a Hold War between the native Catholics and the Protestants of England. The desire for self rule and religious freedom resulted in the death of thousands. Thankfully, the early 90s saw a ceasefire and eventual peace accord. 
  

British troops after an attack by the IRA, May 1977.

      England also possessed a very lucrative colony in Hong Kong. But in the Summer of 1997, the UK decided to not renew it's claim over the territory and it returned to Chinese rule. This act is considered by many to be the official end of the British Empire.

Hong Kong Harbor, Summer 1977.

     I think I'm at a good stopping point for today. While I'm not what you would say a devotee of the Royal family, I am a huge Anglophile. Besides, you can't explore things you love without a little background info. See, whether by direct impact or not, the British Monarchy influences everything in Great Britain. The British music (see my article from Day 6), the British comedy and sci-fi, and the British lit I love so are so impacted by the Kings and Queens of England. I'm sure there are some important anniversaries from my favorite year involving my love of England coming up this year. So don't worry, I'll will be returning to Merry Old England again in the future as A Madman Turns 40.