This heartbroken nation and, in fact, the heartbroken world mourns with the end of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable reign of 70 years yesterday aged 96. Hers was a life well lived and a life of confidence and continuity.
Whether glamorous in green or radiant in red, the longest serving monarch in British history and the most famous person on the planet displayed an unwavering sense of commitment to her people, Great Britain and the Commonwealth beyond.
The 42nd of a line of kings and queens of first England, then Britain, then the United Kingdom brightened the world with her twinkling blue eyes and her wicked yet gentle sense of humour. With warmth, grace and adaptability, this hardworking lady served in an extraordinary manner and was a great constant through the many storms that came and went.
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Wayne’s World
Taking on the illogical and the twisted At The Steeple Times we haven’t been afraid to name and shame crooks, phonies and liars. Though legal action has been threatened against us by such people as a humourless comedian and the “Chanel-clad” wife of an ex-ambassador in the past, these suits have come to nothing. […]
Rolf Harris: The Steeple Times has been vindicated
Rolf Harris convicted We were amongst the first to name Rolf Harris as a paedophile and with today’s unanimous verdict that found him guilty on all counts, we celebrate his conviction. This revolting individual destroyed the lives of his victims whilst shamelessly courting the likes of Her Majesty the Queen. The fact that […]
Unwavering in her sense of commitment to her people and reigning during a period of extensive technological and societal changes, the ‘grandmother to the nation if not the world’ was not only a cherished sovereign but someone who stood fast and firm as 15 Prime Ministers passed her by. She conducted what was required of her up until two days before her death and showed the moral qualities of selflessness, staying power and self-sacrifice until the very end even in times of personal adversity.
Whether having a marmalade sandwich with Paddington Bear or jumping out of a helicopter with James Bond, the Queen’s wit accompanied her wisdom. No movie star could play her better and as we remember this global icon, the millions that met her will recall not only her power and intellect but also her common touch. Respected and loved, this servant of the people kept her counsel and constancy and lived by the mantra: “Never complain, never explain.”
Though a figure of world standing and undoubtedly the most influential female role model of the last 100 years, here was a figure of calm authority who happened to love horse racing and gin and Dubonnet. The Queen has now sadly passed, but it must be remembered that Her Majesty has left the monarchy secure and in safe hands. We join those saluting the eternal legacy of someone thought of as part of everyone’s family and we will forever remember this incredibly selfless diplomat’s legacy.
As we come together in grief in the new era that will follow with the national anthem, pillar boxes, cash, stamps, police helmets, passports all change – with even QCs becoming KCs – it is time also to come together as a nation and welcome the modernising force that will be His Royal Highness King Charles III.
As Her Majesty The Queen herself once wisely observed: “Better days will return” and today we conclude: “God save the King.”
Pictured top – As the world mourns, this morning’s headlines celebrated the life of the most remarkable lady of all our lives. May she now rest in peace in the company of her beloved husband.
Readers have their say
11 comments
Thank you Matthew …a lovely tribute.
Beautiful Matthew 🙏❤🙏
A very heartfelt tribute. I am an American and just found out late last night. I am heartbroken. Even though I am not British, I loved the Queen. She will be truly missed by millions across the world and I am glad about one thing…HMTQ will never have to deal with the antics of Harry and Meghan again.
Nicely written, Matthew, and echoes the thoughts and feelings of many of us. One of the best role models for the last 96 years
Thank you, Matthew, crying my bloody eyes out!
Truly the end of an era. An exceptional LADY! She has her ultimate reward now & is with her beloved Phillip. She’s been presented with her “HEAVENLY Crown” 😇. My 🙏🙏 to her family & all who mourn her!
I’m heartbroken. I loved QE2 just like so many other people around the world. She was a fine example of all that is great and good. She led by example and I looked to her for guidance and strength. I shall miss her terribly. Great eulogy Matthew. Thank you! 👏
Wally, you’re the first person I thought of. You have been so outspoken & loyal to your beloved RF. I was telling my daughter about you. Here are hugs to you from us. (((((Wally)))))! She said to tell you chin up & stay strong! We ❤❤ you!
Such a tribute Matthew. I’m reading it more than once. I’m heart broken and teary and lonely for the Queen…as though I had been her personal friend or Her child. I am as surely in London as of my feet were planted there. I miss her and I worry about us all without Her civilizing
effect and beautiful grace. I’m laughing and crying ..she was so funny.
EEK…I cry foul!!
@Steeple Times. This is nothing new as, nonsense such as this has gone on forever. Keep your chin up & don’t sweat the small stuff. Some people have no life other than trying to make life miserable for others. YouTuber PDina says there are a group of African Americans who are trying to get rid of the British monarchy. PDina is African American herself. She is a huge fan of the British monarchy. I would say to those specific Americans, shut your damn mouth & stay out of BRF business.
#AmericaLovesTheBRF
#AmericaMournsWithYou