Commons Sense

Her Majesty the Queen was the heart of Windsor, and she was an exceptional monarch through an extraordinary era.

Even before her coronation, the young Elizabeth made a vow to devote her life to serving her country and what would become the Commonwealth of Nations.

She kept her promise, and surpassed all expectations.

A constant in an ever-changing world, Her Majesty was the embodiment of the United Kingdom; projecting all that is good about our nation across the globe for more than 70 years.

Yet, despite the weight of her duties, the Queen was ever-present in Windsor, one of her favourite homes.

As the MP for our beautiful area, I have been present when the Queen greeted visiting heads of state as they arrived in Windsor.

And I have witnessed at first hand her incisive wit and the cool, calm humour which set her guests at their ease.

Her presence was felt everywhere in the constituency.

Living in Windsor there was no escape – none whatsoever.

We would see her at Royal Ascot and Savill Gardens; inspecting the barracks and at military parades; and driving, or in the past riding, in Windsor Great Park.

Our children would see her at their schools and colleges; and families would bump into her in the town centre.

She was a friend to our farmers and her patronage of our local businesses was legendary.

If a foundation stone of a new business was not laid by the Queen, a plaque would be placed when she opened it, or a letter or invitation to the Castle received.

And of course, over her lifetime, the Queen supported our local charities and good causes.

Her Majesty’s last official engagement was at the Thames Hospice and that seems to make sense in so many ways.

It is difficult to express just how much the Queen will be missed in Windsor and how thankful we are to have known her.

She will live on in Windsor, in its buildings and parks, and lakes, and in our memories.

She will live on in her eldest son, and I say without hesitation, long live King Charles III.