The Queen made a vow to her country

I WILL make an admission. I am no Royalist! But I am a church chorister of the Church of England. And hearing that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had passed away at Balmoral was a considerable shock to me, as I am sure it was to many, many people.

I am reminded of the wonderful hymn by Sir Cecil Spring Rice. The words are particularly relevant in referencing Her Majesty the Queen... “I vow to thee, my country

All earthly things above

Entire, and whole and perfect

The service of my love.

The love that asks no questions

The love that stands the test

That lays upon the altar

The dearest and the best...

And soul by soul and silently

Her shining bounds increase

And her ways are ways of gentleness

And all the paths are peace.”

I believe that the hymn describes Queen Elizabeth perfectly.

As a chorister, I think it’s a pity that it isn’t sung all that much any more.

But it remains the most relevant of all the hymns that could describe Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth perfectly. I suspect that hymn books will be readjusted to carry that hymn in the future. I certainly hope so.

My profound condolences to the Royal Family at this time of great sadness at this difficult time.

Stephen Farthing Hengrove, Bristol