September 2022 was a month none of us will ever forget. It was a time of immense sadness for the nation as we came to terms with the loss of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It was also a time to look back on a lifetime of total commitment to the service of her peoples in the UK, her other realms and of her dedication to the Commonwealth – a group of 56 countries (Gabon and Togo have joined this year).
Whenever I visit a local Primary School, I am frequently asked the question “Have you met the Queen?” I am in the fortunate position to be able to answer yes. Most memorably, for me, was when Her Late Majesty made me a Privy Councillor. It is a great honour to be a Member of the Privy Council. The Privy Council is body of formal advisors to the Monarch, and I am proud to have been called to advise on a number of occasions.
The Monarchy has been a thread through all of our lives. For me, from being a young Grenadier Guard standing outside Buckingham Palace right through to having the honour of serving as a Minister of State and Privy Councillor, Her Late Majesty has been a constant part of my life. It is difficult to imagine life without her and it will take time to take it all in and to adjust.
As I write this, I have just returned from attending Westminster Hall for the arrival of the procession escorting Her Late Majesty from Buckingham Palace. It was, quite simply, ‘the honour of my life’ to be present on such a unique and memorable occasion. At over 900 years old, Westminster Hall is the oldest part of the Palace of Westminster and one of my favourite parts. The MPs were fortunate to be standing on top of the steps at the South End and we got a stunning view across the whole hall. I will never forget it.
I commend His Majesty the King and the Royal Family for their incredible fortitude. For the King in particular, at the age of 73, to slow march all that way from Buckingham Palace then to stand at a service in Westminster Hall whilst coming to terms with the loss of his mother, his new role as the monarch and all under such close television scrutiny is awe-inspiring.
May Her Late Majesty rest in peace and I send my condolences to the Royal Family and King Charles III in particular.
Long live the King.
(This article was written before the State Funeral took place)
Contact Mike:
Web: www.penning4hemel.com
Email: mike.penning.mp@parliament.uk
Telephone: 01442 251126
