Kings and Queens

The Prince of Wales (as he was then, now King Charles III) visited the Westmorland County Show in 2017. The Queen visited Kendal in 2013. On each occasion I was fortunate enough to be in the “right place at the right time” among the crowd as both of the Royals stopped to speak to the person standing next to me. The Queen genuinely seemed to be enjoying herself that day and I definitely felt a sense of loss when learning of her death yesterday. Although it was inevitable that it would happen sooner rather than later, I have never known another monarch in my lifetime. Contrast that with my grandparents who knew six monarchs in their lifetimes.
It seems a little strange at the moment referring to the “King” but it is a title that will be with us now for many years to come if the present line of succession plays out as planned.
One thing that we British are good at is the pomp and circumstance of state occasions. With a Royal funeral and a Coronation to contend with, we will be able to see the sort of ceremonies and rituals last seen seventy years ago, as we mourn and commemorate the passing of a monarch who gave a lifetimes service to her country and celebrate the crowning of a King.
But I will always remember the Queen as the smiling lady stopping only a few feet away from me as she walked among the crowds lining the streets of Kendal on that day.

God Save The King