I was born in 1961, and I’ve never known any other monarch than Queen Elizabeth II.
But what does that mean?
Well, if you live in England as I do, you are confronted with the queens’ image on every stamp, every coin and every pound note.
But whatever you think about the monarch, the UK is steeped in history with stories of Kings and Queens, wars, the troubles with wives, church and others.
As a little boy, I lived near Wythenshawe Park in South Manchester, where in the winter of 1643-44, Wythenshawe Hall was caught up in the hostilities of the English Civil War. Robert Tatton, the former owner of the house and land, was a Royalist when the house was besieged by Parliamentarian forces and seized. After the Restoration of the monarchy, Wythenshawe Hall was returned to the Tatton Family.
It is stories like this that lead to questions about the monarchy.
England is steeped in traditions and historical anecdotes that set out how the monarchy, the church and the people interacted.
The Queen represented more than history and traditions. She was the sovereign who oversaw that she was above politics, that her figurehead represented a free caring society around the world.
Never has one person given so much of her life to so many.
King Charles III has much to do in his remaining years if he is to leave a legacy of anything close to that void left by Queen Elizabeth II.
What you gave was priceless.
What we received was immeasurable.
What you left will be treasured.
Your Majesty, thank you for your service to your people.
Rest in Peace
You set the highest bar for others to follow.
As written by the author of this blog
