It was a day we all knew would one day come but none of us wanted to see. We will never see the like of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ever again.
In the House of Commons we shared our memories and paid our respects.We all talked about her ability to put people at ease. How she was able to convey reassurance and gratitude. Who can forget her broadcast during the pandemic. At a time when we were all miserable and anxious about not being able to see our loved ones she gave us all comfort when she said, ‘we will meet again’.
Throughout her life she has made sure to have empathy with her subjects. She gave service during the second world war. She led the nation at times of great celebration and shared with us all at times of pain. The pictures of her mourning the loss of the Duke of Edinburgh alone touched us all and reminded us that we are indeed all in this together.
Her dedication to duty and to affairs of state was truly inspirational. The unity of the nation in grief is an expression of the high regard we all had for her.
This is the greatest country in the world and Queen Elizabeth epitomised the best of it. She showed astonishing leadership and was revered across the World. How lucky we were to have her.
And how lucky we are to have King Charles III. He has learned statecraft from the exemplar. We send him our admiration and respect and wish him well. God save the King.