It is extraordinary how, in the space of just a few hours, everything changes. It used to be said that everyone remembered where they were when President Kennedy was assassinated. On the 22nd November 1963, I was probably in my cot, being just 9 moths old. But I shall always remember where I was when I heard the news that Queen Elizabeth II died after 70 years as our beloved Queen.
Driving down the M4 on my way back from London via Farnborough, the news had been building that bad news was coming. But it is still like a body blow when you hear the final pronouncement that the Queen had passed.
Politics immediately stops for the mourning period, until the day after the funeral. Looking after constituent casework continues, but the to and fro of political debate ceases to allow transition to take place. Parliament will not reopen until next week, when we will be required to take a new oath of allegiance to King Charles III.
It is that type of structural change that makes a big impression. Senior barristers will no longer be Queen’s Counsels. Uniforms with ER embroidered will need to be changed. Our money will change. But it is the tiny detail that struck me. Reading on my Kindle some Bond novels, on Thursday night I turned to On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. After 59 years, that book is no longer current. It is the tiny details that make a big impression.
Our Queen has been magnificent. Those who have met her – millions – talk about her mischievous sense of humour. She has conducted herself with grace and dignity, whilst still maintaining a natural humility. She has honoured her pledge at her 21st birthday to serve her country for all her life. Just a couple of days before her passing , she despatched her 15th prime minister and installed her 15th. Her reign is nearly a third as long as the entire history of the United States of America. And she has held us all together for 70 years.
Of course, we now turn to King Charles III. He addressed both Houses of Parliament this week and we all wish him well. But I sense an enthusiasm to see him do well. The proclamation in Kidderminster last Sunday was marked with a strong round of God Save The King. We finish the year passing the New Elizabethan era, and enter the next Carolian.