At 96, and having had health problems lately, it was not unexpected. But it still seems a bit of a shock.
I saw the news of her ill health last night, and knew that such an official announcement would not bring good news in the morning.
For most of us, in Britain and the Commonwealth, it is a new era – we have never known another monarch. She has been a constant in a lot of ways. It will be strange to now have to say “God save the King”. There will still be some who remember King George VI, but there have been too many years since then for it to easily trip off the tongue…
Whatever your thoughts on the institution of the monarchy, I think we can acknowledge the contribution she has made in her long life, through many years of world, family and personal tribulations. Though it sometimes seemed as though she was immortal, she was only human, and as such was not perfect. Nevertheless, this quote from her coronation speech in 1953 shows the intention she pledged for her life as our Queen –
“I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.”
I believe she fulfilled that pledge to the best of her ability.
I chose this portrait because it was the image that I first had of her as a child, when her portrait was hung in community halls and other public places. A young Queen, not yet knowing what lay ahead, but still resolved to serve her people and her country, no matter what the future held.
Here’s another quote, from her Christmas message in 2000 –
“To many of us our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example.”
After a very long life of service, I believe she has earned her rest.
Rest In Peace, Ma’am.
We will mourn your passing.
1000 Fields of Roses 
