On the passing of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II by Pietro Annigoni.

What a sad day.

An icon of world history has just died. I must admit that the news of her passing did make me tear up a little – despite ofc not knowing her. She was a remarkable lady who had a profound impact on our nation and the world.

It’s a mark of how well she reigned – despite an age of monarchies being uprooted and republics replacing them – that her passing has touched so many people with many beautiful gestures and tributes from across the world. 

The Eiffel Tower had gone dark, Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer has been lit up in the colours of the Union Jack, the Sydney Opera House, American flags were lowered at half-mast at all American embassies.

I have known of no other passing which has had such a marked worldwide effect.

Our late Queen embodied the true essence of the Crown. The incarnation of Walter Bagehot’s characterisation of the “dignified”. Despite her personal life and family matters being covered and heavily scrutinised by the media, she maintained her air of dignity and respect. The Queen tied the nation to its heritage, values, and history. Thus, as a beacon of stability and continuity, she united it.

It was fitting that Her Majesty greeted her new Premier a day before her passing. Her sense of duty undiminished even towards her final hours. As ever, she put the public first and simply got on with her duty. I have read that she was the most photographed person of all time.

An amazing lady.