It was on Weds 7th September 2022 when I noticed the ungloved hands of Her Majesty were so very mottled in photographs of her greeting the new Prime Minister. I mentioned this to Megan and was not surprised that the following day we were told the Queen was under medical supervision.
We now know that her health must have changed considerably as her death on Thursday afternoon was announced. Despite her 96 years I hadn’t expected this to happen at this time. So many will feel sad and be grieving. I am a child of her time and now we have a King.
I saw the Queen in person in Windsor Great Park on the evening of the Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977. Mostly though I was conscious of her presence through the media and television in particular. The formal ceremonies and Christmas speech showed different aspects of her at work. Megan has had the honour of being in the late Queen’s presence in more recent times.
The idea of service to others seems unfashionable these days, where much public life seems to be about self aggrandisement. The example of the Queen as recorded stands out in contrast. Fortunately I’m aware of many examples of subsequent generations who are prepared to serve, in many different ways.
This Friday morning the world outside is very quiet. There’s a sense of sadness and a need for quietude as we come to terms with the profound change that has overtaken us. My hope is that in the coming days we will be able to mourn and then celebrate the life Queen Elizabeth II led.
With many thanks for the life and work of the Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and her example of service to others.
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