I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed an event quite like the Queen of England’s funeral. The spectacle. The décor. The diamonds! The BBC reported that around 200,000 spectators attended in person and 5.1 billion – yes, that’s billion, with a B! – tuned in to watch. For perspective, that is roughly 63% of the total population on earth, and that makes this the largest single event watched or streamed in history.
So, what can we learn from the single most tuned-into event in the history of our planet? Whether it be a celebration of your firm’s 50th anniversary, your company’s latest acquisition, a developer sales center grand opening or a major legal victory, here are 5 things Queen Elizabeth II asks us to consider.
- Include Personal Touches. Of course, the Queen’s funeral was an extremely public affair – arguably the most public in history! – but the royals managed to make it feel personal and familial. For example, the wreath of flowers and foliage adorning the Queen’s coffin included myrtle grown from a sprig that was in the Queen’s wedding bouquet, alongside a handwritten card from soon-to-be King Charles. While the average viewer might have missed these smaller moments, those who caught them found them – along with the family – found them to be deeply meaningful. When planning your own events, consider how to weave in moments that speak to the ethos of your company or hold meaning to your employees or clients. It can make all the difference in the world.
- Ditch the Drama. The Royal Family is not lacking in scandal and interpersonal drama. Yet on this day, they put it aside. Prince Harry and Prince William walked hand in hand. Prince Andrew attended and took a seat in the first row despite his very necessary fall from grace. This is all to say, your events are not the place to bring family and corporate drama. Don’t drink too much. Don’t say something you might regret or pick a fight. If you are to attend or host, remember the why and act accordingly.
- Create an Aesthetic Experience. Obviously, us mere common folk don’t have the jewel collection or palaces of The Royal Family! However, a little goes a long way when it comes to creating a curated, designed, aesthetic experience for your events. Consider hiring a florist, design firm, and or event firm to give your event the extra flair that will make your guests feel like they are attending something special.
- Invite Big Players. President Biden, Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, New Zealand Prince Minister Jacinda Ardern, Canada’s Prince Minister Justin Trudeau, Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia, and many other leaders from the Commonwealth Nations all were in attendance. When planning your event, go for it and invite big players! You never know who might show up, and who may become a close new contact or esteemed client.
- Create Tentpole Moments. At your event, you want to be sure to include a wow-worthy moment or two that will keep people talking long after it’s over. I found the 2-minute moment of silence at the end of the funeral service to be absolutely chilling and breathtaking. How can you create moments at your events to bring your guests together? Maybe you make a toast to congratulate the retiring executive or offer a small activity for your guests to do after the ribbon cutting ceremony is complete. Especially in these times, we are looking for ways to connect, and if your event can offer that, that is really special!
Rest in Peace Queen Elizabeth II. Love her or hate her, she really had the world watching. And for this publicist, that says it all.
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