Historic times as we say farewell to our wonderful monarch

QUEEN Elizabeth II was a constant presence. Above politics and the short-term agendas often pursued by those seeking popularity, she represented stability and security in good times and bad.

She was a unifying figure, respected around the world.

It’s also been notable during this period of mourning that even people who are by no means passionate monarchists have been moved.

While national political leaders on all sides have often failed to live up to expectations and many quit when the going got tough, she was unwavering in her commitment to our nation and worked for us with 15 Prime Ministers right until the final days of her life.

The stability and soft power she brought us around the world is needed now more than ever.

These past few days have, therefore, been a time for mourning and a time to show gratitude for her service.

As always, Cheltenham did its bit. I was among those to join a twominute silence on the steps of the Municipal Offices on Friday and then attended the formal civic Proclamation in front of a good crowd of Cheltenham people on Sunday.

These events were as moving as they were historic.

They enabled us to reflect on the service of Queen Elizabeth II and formally mark the beginning of the era of King Charles III.

I look forward to telling my baby daughter all about what happened the week she was born and about the life of Queen Elizabeth II.

I’ll be able to tell her that she’s one of the last of the Elizabethan era babies and of the progress that took place during that time of change.

But Elodie, aged seven days as I write this, will grow up a Carolean child.

The story goes that a Gloucestershire paper once ran the headline ‘Tetbury Man to Wed’ after the announcement of the wedding of the then Prince of Wales.

Whatever your view on the monarchy, I hope that as people living in the county where His Majesty has been resident for so long, we can all say ‘Long Live the King.’