As I said just over a week ago in my blog post National Mourning, I am neither particularly for or against the royal family. However since the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022, I have found myself feeling way more emotional than I would ever have imagined, whenever I have watched programmed about the Queen’s life, or have heard peoples’ stories about when they met the Queen.
So last Thursday we were finally informed by my employer, that we would be getting today off as a bank holiday for the Queen’s state funeral. As soon as we knew we were getting the day off, I surprised even myself by deciding immediately that I would have to watch the Queen’s funeral.
Fast forward to today, and yes, we watched the Queen’s funeral from the start of the television coverage through to the end of the service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Don’t worry we did remember to eat and drink during that time! All I want to say about the funeral itself was that it was very solemn but a fantastic celebration for a Queen who did exactly what she vowed to do, to “be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong”. It has however been the last part of her speech as a 21 year old, that has most stuck with
But I shall not have strength to carry out this resolution alone unless you join in it with me, as I now invite you to do: I know that your support will be unfailingly given. God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share in it.
Queen Elizabeth II (aged 21)
It has been amazing to see so many people queue for hours to view the Queen’s coffin lying in rest both in Edinburgh and London, and the thousands who have lined the streets to view her coffin, and to be part of her final journey to her resting place today.
I simply want to say, well done Queen Elizabeth II, thy good and faithful servant. You have served your country and your people well, but most importantly, you have served God with grace, humility and honour. Now rest in peace.
O love that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in thee; I give thee back the life I owe, that in thine ocean depths its flow may richer, fuller be. O light that followest all my way, I yield my flickering torch to thee; my heart restores its borrowed ray, that in thy sunshine’s blaze its day may brighter, fairer be. O joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to thee; I trace the rainbow through the rain, and feel the promise is not vain that morn shall tearless be. O cross that liftest up my head, I dare not ask to fly from thee; I lay in dust life’s glory dead, and from the ground there blossoms red life that shall endless be.
Rest in peace Queen Elizabeth II.
The Distinct Dot 