Her legacy is one of love, loyalty and service

On how a new era now dawns for us as a nation

THE news of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen brought great sadness and sorrow to the whole nation, the commonwealth and the world.

Her Majesty’s 70-year reign was always marked with a great sense of duty, faithfulness and humility reflected in the messages of sympathy which have come from all over the world.

It was on the death her father in 1952 that the then Princess Elizabeth ascended to the throne. Her pledge and promise on her ascension was that she would faithfully serve however short or long her life.

Seventy years later in welcoming her 15th prime minister we saw that promise fulfilled.

Whatever our view of the monarchy Queen Elizabeth II was the symbol of stability, continuity and devotion the like of which we will never see again.

The sure foundation of her life was, of course, her deeply rooted Christian faith. While as monarch she was ‘defender of the faith’, which for her was not just a constitutional obligation.

Her life was one of quiet reflection, wisdom and graciousness that was seen in every aspect of her life. It was at the funeral of her beloved Philip she complied fully with the requirements of distancing while others in authority did not.

Her message to the nation during those dark days was that light would always overcome darkness and that in kindness and care we reflect that light. She echoed the resilience of the dark days of the Second World War that one day as families and friends we would meet again – a message we needed to hear which only she could give. Her last Christmas Day message was filled with the joy of knowing Christ – quoting words from a muchloved Christmas carol – ‘the hope and fears of all the years are found in Thee this night’ – Christ the light of the world of whom she was a faithful disciple.

Now a period of national mourning begins. In a world of constant change her steadying presence has been a source of comfort and assurance which now sadly is no more.

However, her legacy to us is one of love, loyalty and service.

A new era now dawns and a new chapter begins for us as a nation and indeed the world. We do well to follow her example and emulate her faith. “Lord for the years we bring our thanks today”.