11th September 2022
A great deal has happened since my last blog, almost nine months ago, but I cannot write this one without talking about events which have rocked my country — the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and the ascension to the throne of King Charles III.
I found myself unexpectedly affected by this. I have never met the Queen — I saw her once, from a distance, when I was about six or seven — and I wouldn't describe myself as a royalist. But still I find myself, at odd moments, wiping away a tear.
Whatever my feelings on the monarchy — and this is neither the time nor the place to bang that particular drum — there is no denying that the Queen was a remarkable woman. One who touched the lives of millions of people nationwide, across the Commonwealth, and all around the world. Her dedication to duty, and to a life lived in service, were remarkable. And her rôle as a well-loved and respected world leader — on a stage dominated by men — was truly inspirational.
Queen Elizabeth was the only monarch most of us have known, reigning for an astonishing 70 years and 214 days. Not just a rôle-model or a figurehead, she was part of our cultural identity, a quintessential part of 'Britishness'. She will be greatly missed.
Queen Elizabth II
1926 - 2022
Requiescat in Pace