Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

I didn’t think of myself as a royalist, or even particularly interested in the monarchy and it’s historical connections with everything that makes us Great Britain, the United Kingdom and / or the Commonwealth.

But when it was announced that Queen Elizabeth II had died late on Thursday afternoon, I wept tears for a monarch I never knew I cared about.

I am one of the lucky few to have been in her presence many years ago while watching a close family member being rewarded for their work at Buckingham Palace. I’ve stood at the palace entrance, walked up the burgundy carpet, and marvelled at an interior only dreams are made of. Gold, marble, paintings, ornaments and huge doors were around every corner. It’s an experience I’ll never forget, etched as firmly in my memory as the gold detailing on the staircases of the palace.

I’ve made the decision to silence this blog until 20th September 2022, the day after the Queens funeral, as a mark of respect for her passing.

I was already in the process of drawing this picture of some Calla Lillies, a flower traditionally used at times of mourning, so it feels kismet to have it available to use here and be able to dedicate something to her.

Whatever your opinions of the royal family, no one can argue that this is a woman who dedicated her entire reign, 70 years of her life, to the good of all the countries she strived for and their people. She had a work ethic that is impossible to match, and the fact she felt such a high sense of duty that she met with the latest Prime Minister and invited her to form a new government just 2 days before her passing is almost astonishing to me. It’s sad that she didn’t get a chance to rest.

I hope that, above all things, she finally gets to rest in peace. She has most definitely earned it.

Anyone looking for support with their grief, whether it’s as a result of the death of Her Majesty or something more personal, can find help on my Get Support Page.

Thank you for reading and God Save the Queen.