Queen Elizabeth II

It seems that the Royal Welsh Corgis have competition for Queen Elizabeth’s attention. She’s hooked into gadgets and her latest passion is playing video games, according to a report by The People UK.

According to People UK, Prince William received a Nintendo Wii games console from his girlfriend Kate Middleton last Christmas and the British monarch ‘borrowed’ it from her grandson after she saw him playing with it.

Queen Elizabeth was an instant fan as she played ten pin bowling, the report said, adding that the 81-year old monarch’s hand eye coordination is better than a lot of people half her age.

The fact that Queen Elizabeth is THE British monarch makes this information already a news item. Considering that she is an octogenarian makes it bigger news. And though part of the Queen’s job description is setting an example to her people, her involvement in technology also makes her a role model for her peers.

One of the problems that octogenarians face about technology is that they are ‘afraid’ of it – afraid that they will break it, afraid that it is too complicated to learn and the idea that technology is only for ‘young people.’

But, truth is that technology was invented to be used by everyone. Yes, there are some that are truly for young people, (one has to have a target market after all), but in general most of the gadgets we have today was meant to be used by everyone.

The Queen’s enthusiasm about modern technology should be commended. According to the same People UK report, the British monarch got her first mobile phone in 2001 and set up her own email account years ago. She also owns an iPod and last June, she upgraded and got a Blackberry.

And, though I’m not British, let me say, ‘Long live the Queen!’ for once, with true feelings of admiration for her.

Or using the gamers’ lingo, should I say, W00t, the Queen rules!

(Photo above: Portrait of The Queen, taken in 2002 (c) John Swannell / Camera Press)