HM Queen Elizabeth II - 1926-2022
Thursday 8th September 2022, the nation was plunged into mourning at the passing of their beloved Queen, and longest-reigning monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. People across the United Kingdom and around the world had lost the true Queen of Hearts. The Queen died peacefully at her beloved Scottish estate, Balmoral Castle at the age of 96 having dedicated her life to service, as head of state of the UK and fourteen other countries.
PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
People around the world gathered to pay their respects and pass on their thoughts and condolences to members of the Royal Family. She was not only a figurehead but a much-loved and cherished mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Dividing her time between her homes around the UK she touched the lives of many, as seen by the tributes outside palaces and churches up and down the country. Unshakably dedicated to the expectations of her role, she steered the country through turbulent times and whilst she didn’t exercise any formal political power her insights into the nation’s business and appearances at international gatherings were seen to strengthen official policy. Her reign saw her witness the tenures of fifteen British prime ministers, from Winston Churchill to our current PM Liz Truss and fourteen US presidents from Harry S Truman to incumbent president Joe Biden.
Her courtly and reserved manner changed little over the years as she sought to project and protect the royal family as a unique bastion in a world of changing opinion, who as a family have had their own share of “bumpy times”, as she acknowledged during her annual address at Christmas in the Queen’s speech, 2019.
It was with stoic resilience that the world witnessed the Queen’s loss of her “strength and stay” her husband Prince Philip who served as consort of the British monarch from her accession as queen in 1952 until his death in 2021. More importantly he was the love of her life, constant companion and by her side every step of the way, until his passing. Now they can be reunited at peace together again.
On a personal note, I was very fortunate to attend a Garden Party hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace. The memory of the special day will stick with me forever as people stood patiently lining the walkway in which the Queen and members of the Royal Family were to pass through. The moment came when the dignified and immaculately dressed head of state arrived. The Queen exuded warmth and strength; this image of a remarkable lady will live on as she was a stalwart to the end.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to remain with His Majesty King Charles III and members of the Royal Family. Long live the King.
Written by Cassie Loynds
