Nigel and I spent yesterday in front of the television for pretty much the entire day and I can’t remember the last time, if indeed there was a last time, that we ever did that. We both felt very strongly that we needed to be present and be a part of one of the most amazing and moving historical events of our lifetime. To watch the incredible state funeral of her Majesty was a very sobering and yet uplifting experience. I think, as Boris Johnson said, we all had the childlike belief that she would go on forever and so, despite her age, her passing was such a shock to everyone.
She has been a constant in our lives for our entire life and her loss is so keenly felt. Every penny we spend bears her image, Every letter we send bears her image and is posted in a box bearing her initials. Her initials appear in our courts, on our police force, on our military uniforms. At times of crisis, or indeed celebration, hers was the voice of the nation. She was so much more than a figurehead and really was the matriarch of a nation and the most perfect example of Christian service and dedication that we could see.
So many stories have been shared of small meaningful moments of such an individual nature which merely serve to highlight just how special she really was. And we must never forget she was also a daughter, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, a cousin, a friend and, whilst the nation grieved as one for her loss, how much worse it must’ve been for those close to her. They even had to share their grief publicly.
There could not have been a more heartfelt, detailed, stunning farewell than there was. It was pageantry and attention to detail in its finest form and we felt so proud to be part of her country. It was an honour to sit and watch all day and feel part of something so important.
I leave with some images from one of todays papers.
A wonderful celebration for a wonderful lady. RIP Queen Elizabeth II - the world will miss you.
Posted by: Mike Smith | September 21, 2022 at 06:12 PM
We also spent the whole day watching the queens funeral.we stopped and went out for a short walk,to stretch our legs. We only met one other couple walking their dog. and they had only taken a break for
that. She was a truly remarkable woman! and will most certainly be missed, as she had always been in our lives.it was a very emotional and unforgettable day!
Posted by: Mary | September 21, 2022 at 08:10 PM
You couldn't have said it any better, we were glued to the TV monday and have felt her loss quite badly as well. She was everyone's mother and grandmother and so much more and on top of our own personal family and friends losses this year it just made it seem much worse. I'm sure King Charles III will do her proud which is a monumental task for him following in her footsteps.
Posted by: Carole | September 21, 2022 at 10:22 PM