The British spirit

THE Queen was stoic and reliably got on with the job. It’s a quality intrinsic in the British character and is why so many of us related to and adored her.

In the true spirit of Britishness — and as protocol and tradition dictates — we had a new monarch immediately. We are grateful for the continuity, but are still in mourning.

Goodness knows how King Charles III must feel. We are reflecting

on all the Queen represented, the example she set and her resolve even in the most testing circumstances. Meanwhile, alongside his grief, Charles is fulfilling the duties of monarch.

We carry on with life and if possible visit a royal palace to lay flowers. We go to work and school, keep calm and carry on. Or do we?

Perhaps we’re not so stoic after all. Football matches have been called off and on the day of the Queen’s funeral, GP appointments will be cancelled and supermarkets will shut their doors. It’s a strange way to show respect to the most reliable, unfussy and dutiful Queen.

HARRIET GOULD, Gamlingay, Cambs.