EVESHAM’s MP Nigel Huddleston writes for the Observer…
ORDINARILY in these columns, I update you on both my work in Westminster and wider Parliamentary developments. However, this month there is rightly only one subject on all our minds, and that is the sad passing of our beloved monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The late Queen was an inspiration and example to us all. She taught us the true meaning of duty. She reigned for so long and worked so hard that nearly a third of the British population say they saw her or met her. So many people in Worcestershire and across the country have personal stories to share about the Queen. Yet even amongst the millions who never met her, everyone nevertheless felt an intimate connection with her because of the way she communicated. When she gave her Christmas broadcasts, it was like she was in the room with our own family. When she told us in the early weeks of the pandemic that ‘we will meet again,’ we felt like she was talking to us individually and personally.
I was so pleased that the Queen got to see how much she was held in the public affections during the jubilee celebrations earlier this year. The last time I saw Her Majesty was at the launch of the Queen’s Baton Relay of the Commonwealth Games, last October outside Buckingham Palace. She placed her message, to be read at the Opening Ceremony, into the Baton, which then embarked on a long journey across the Commonwealth – which included several locations in Worcestershire. Hundreds of thousands of people turned up to cheer on the Baton and the Baton bearers, but also the Queen. Because it was her Baton. The Queen’s Baton. I think we all knew it was a bit of her we were cheering on, too.
The Queen was the epitome of duty, service, dignity, and grace. Her constitutional powers were limited, but her global influence was immense. Because of the way she conducted herself, the way she wore the crown.
Over the last few days we have seen the new King, Charles III make several speeches and participate in many ceremonies and events – and have seen glimpses of his Mother as he takes on the awesome responsibility of the crown. He has conducted himself with great dignity during this incredibly difficult time for the Royal family.
But for now, we say goodbye to our Queen and the second Elizabethan age. We will never forget her.
