8th to 19th September 2022

We still can’t believe it.  Queen Elizabeth II has gone.  The queen that Steve has known for all his life.  A constant presence in a changing world.  It is hard to grasp she was meeting the new prime minister on Tuesday and she was in heaven on Thursday.  We knew this day was coming, but nothing can prepare you for this, even though it had been clear for some time that she was increasing frail.

We remember a monarch who reigned with absolute grace, composure, dignity and wisdom throughout her long period as Head of State; undertook constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history; acted as a focus for national identity, unity and pride in the multicultural society that we are proud to have; gave a sense of stability and continuity; supported the ideal of voluntary service; and recognised successes and commitments. May her soul rest in peace.

The UK and it’s people have done Her Majesty proud and celebrated her life in style with so many beautiful tributes and gestures.  Here in Sri Lanka, the national flag has been flying at half mast all over the country, which was sombre to see.  We followed the live coverage of all the events taking place in the UK and of course, with the day off in memoriam on Monday for her funeral we felt patriotic to remember a very special lady.

We raised a glass to her memory and ate English chocolate to celebrate her long life.  In the evening I cooked roast dinner with cauliflower cheese, vegetables and roast potatos, shortly after which was the emotional sight of her coffin sinking in to the crypt of George VI Memorial Chapel.  A long and enduring chapter has closed, and a new one begun.

God save the King, and we wish King Charles III a good reign of the country and leadership of the Commonwealth in tough times.

TV photos courtesy of the BBC.

Rennie