The second Elizabethan age has sadly ended. Clearly it was a shock to so many around the world, especially as only two days earlier the Queen had been photographed smiling radiantly when appointing her 15th British Prime Minister.
That shock and sense of loss is being experienced by so many – young and old, monarchists and republicans and those both from within and outside the Commonwealth. Many in our Shire are experiencing that sense of loss.
Obviously one reason is for most of us, she has been the only monarch we have known. Importantly she has been a constant and reassuring presence in a rapidly changing and uncertain world. She represented encouragement and hope for a better future. Many will recall her message at the height of the pandemic when she concluded with the poignant ending “we will meet again.”
The new King said of his late mother, ‘hers was a life well lived’. It certainly was. Her role as sovereign required lifelong duty and service which she gave unhesitatingly.
Her life was shaped by a strong moral and values compass based on her unswerving faith. She was unfailingly kind with a wonderful sense of humour.
She confronted difficulty and at times danger head on, always putting duty before herself.
The Queen kept valued traditions while embracing change and opportunities.
Modestly educated, she commenced her reign in a world dominated by men, but ended as a global leading statesman.
Quite simply the Queen shaped the world’s history.
Vale Queen Elizabeth II.
