Christine Jardine used her Scotsman column to pay tribute to the Queen and to describe the atmosphere in Parliament as the news came that the Queen’s health was causing concern.
When the Speaker rose to convey the confirmatory announcement from Buckingham Palace, the feeling in the chamber was like nothing I have ever known or could have predicted.
This was a moment that we all in that place, indeed everyone in the country must have known could not be far off and yet somehow it was a shock.
The immediate priority was focusing on the resumed debate in an attempt to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall.
But the rest of the day was a haze of speculation, changed plans and simply watching and waiting for what was fast becoming the inevitable.
When the news came, it was family that was at the forefront of her mind:
And maybe that was the key to why her late majesty held such a special place in so many hearts.
We saw and heard from her whenever we needed comfort, and as a result saw in her everything that we hoped we could be.
In her love of family we recognised our own.
She shared our common memories and provided a link to those times past which others we loved, and have lost, had endured.
You can read the whole article here.
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7 Comments
Bit over the top.
I signed the condolence book on day 1 but I really think the News Channels, BBC 1, the press and to a lesser amount Christine, have all gone to excess.
It got so bad yesterday I switched to Netflix and Ozark!
Not a position I often hold but I agree with Theakes
When we get back to normal again, which means struggling to cope with inflation and economic stagnation, I look forward to the day when Lib Dem M.P.s, including Christine, start asking questions about why the Duchy of Cornwall doesn’t pay corporation tax, and individual Royals don’t pay I.H.T like the rest of us have to.
Quite right David Raw. Also, I note that one of the effects of all this royal stuff is the cancellation of operations on the day of the funeral. As if the delays in the NHS weren’t long enough already.
Thanks for that reminder, Mick. According to The Independent today,
“Thousands of hospital and GP appointments have been cancelled due to the public holiday surrounding the Queen’s funeral on Monday. Many hospitals are to postpone outpatient appointments and planned operations because of reduced staffing, while most GP surgeries will also close”.
I don’t know who decided this, but it certainly isn’t grief or respect. It’s ruritanian escapism from the realities of life and just plain downright self-indulgence
The ceremonials in Scotland were conducted with hugely impressive dignity but now events have moved to London it looks (from what I have seen on TV this afternoon) as if we are going to see a lot of post Diana emoting and a complete lack of stiff upper lip. For those of us who think a sense of proportion is importance at all times, the next few days could be challenging. I agree with Theakes/Mick/David, we need to get a grip.
I’m astonished nobody on LDV has expressed sympathy and support to Vince Cable about his recent revelation that he had a stroke towards the end of his term as Leader. I do so now.