R.I.P

The world has basically moved on - but it still seems appropriate to make an observation or two.

I have lived under four monarchs now - born before the abdication of Edward VIII and the events of the Queen’s life were milestones of my own - her wedding, her coronation, her jubilees. Real power in the world ia not only political and economic. Occasionally there is moving evidence of symbolic power.

We saw more “standing on guard” than military power - brass bands and pipes. We saw pageantry and ritual that bring people together in ways nothing else quite can. We saw a community in silence, broken only by polite applause. We saw strange private grief with a public face. We saw a family in mourning - including its pets. There was glorious music - and a sports star who declined privilege and stood in line for hours for a visit that took minutes.

I have ten more years to live to equal the long life of Elizabeth II - but like many. I shall never forget her. May she rest in peace and may her meory be a blessing.