OUR
SOVEREIGN LADY |
Colleagues all, As
one who proudly marched in the Royal Marines Band at her coronation
it is perhaps incumbent upon me In this period of national mourning
to mark the passing of our Sovereign lady Queen Elizabeth II. In her
we saw the embodiment of all that is good. She led an exemplary life
of dutiful service above us all yet securely alongside us all. Never
in all of our country’s long history has any King or Queen maintained
such steadfast loyalty to their historic calling. She had greatness
thrust upon her at a most tender age yet she grasped the nettle of responsibility
without a moments visible hesitation. She knew that her father’s
courage in ensuring the royal family stayed to bear the hardship of
the 2nd World War, rather than take flight to Canada as had been suggested,
was an example that she must follow. Fortified by her faith in the Almighty
and supported by her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, she presented
herself to the world as a person in whom everyone could trust. In the
70 years of her reign never once did she falter as she met with Statesmen
& women the world over as she represented our country in ever changing
times. My personal witness of her charismatic charm in dealing with
the leaders of Commonwealth countries aboard the royal yacht Britannia
far from these shores humbled me. Her passing at Balmoral, where she
was happiest, although deeply sad seemed timed to perfection. The last
duty she undertook was to ask her new Prime Minister to form a new government
so great changes had begun for us all. Right & proper therefore
for her son Charles to be given the opportunity to now wear her worthy
crown and to take the heavy weight of its responsibility from her shoulders.
We have all, I suggest, been hugely impressed by the way he has accepted
a role for which he has endlessly waited. We must hope that he has a
lengthy tenure during which time he has promised to follow in the footsteps
of his ‘darling Mama’ to lead our country to renewed greatness.
I know you will join me in wishing him all success. |