Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Burton Mail. This column was originally featured in the 25th September print edition.
These past couple of weeks, the community and the nation have come together to mourn the loss of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
I, like many of her subjects, feel a deep sense of loss and the national outpouring of grief we have seen goes some way to demonstrating the magnitude of just how widely respected HM The Queen was. Having had the good fortune to attend a reception given by Her Majesty, I witnessed, first-hand, her warmth and her ability to encompass everyone in the room with elegant grace.
At the start of the period of National Mourning, I joined colleagues in the House of Commons where Members delivered heartfelt tributes on behalf of their constituents. Her Majesty was a devoted public servant, a solid foundation, the only monarch many of us have known. On her visits to Staffordshire, residents would flock to catch a glimpse of Britain’s longest reigning monarch and a figure who was recognisable right across the world.
The State Funeral we saw earlier this week was a hugely moving, but wonderfully British and poignant, service to commemorate HM The late Queen Elizabeth. As we shared in the sorrow of the Royal Family, our heartfelt condolences went out to each and every one of them. Not only did our Queen commit her life to her country, but she was also a much-loved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and the tributes to Her Majesty's wisdom, and dedication to duty, which arrived from across the world, will offer some comfort to those closest to her.
King Charles III and his wife The Queen Consort visited Westminster during the period of National Mourning to address MPs and Peers in the Houses of Parliament. In His speech, the King promised to follow the late Queen's "selfless duty”. Whilst this is undoubtedly a sad time for this nation, we can be reassured that His Majesty will continue to be a rock for our nation and bring us together at this difficult time as he begins His reign.
God Bless our Queen, may She rest in peace.
God Save the King!
