I, like many, have found the last two weeks unbelievable. It is still find it hard to believe that Queen Elizabeth II is no longer our Monarch. I have served her all my life from the age of seven as a Brownie, then as a Guide, and currently as a Scouter for more than 40 years.
We all have times to remember, stories to tell: I remember standing by Nuneaton train station waiting to see her, our daughter a baby in my arms and our son a toddler sitting high up on my late father's shoulders.
I remember being at Buckingham Palace when my step-dad received his MBE, mum and I seated in the Ballroom just five rows from The Queen, it was a very surreal occasion.
I also remember sitting in St George's Chapel with my late Dad on St George Day when he received the Silver Acorn for his service to Scouting, and later lining the quadrangle at Windsor Castle to watch the Queen give awards to our amazing young members.
Yesterday Hubby and I watched all the coverage of Her Majesty's State Funeral, my eyes with continuous tears and my heart heavy. It was a poignant day, the perfect tribute to a wonderful lady who dedicated her life to serve us.
These are a few special moments:
The precision and grace of all those on parade, the absolute astounding job of the pallbearers from Queen's Company 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards and the Royal Family's dignity and stature whilst obviously in greatest grief made me proud to be British... I felt very humbled.
Over these difficult days I have been touched by how King Charles III has managed to carry out all that has been required of him: one moment a grieving son, the next the King touring our country's four Parliaments.
Princess Anne has hardly left her mother's side, escorting her on all journeys. I sincerely hope our Royal Family now have time for themselves and aftering leading us in our grief can grieve in peace for their personal loss, a dearly loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Hubby and I paid tribute to Her Majesty by beginning the day with marmalade on toast. Later, when the days events had come to a close, we enjoyed Coronation Chicken followed by my slightly adjusted Platinum Trifle accompanied by a glass of Regent wine.
A day we will never forget: an historic day when we said a fond farewell to our Queen and raised a glass of Royal Lochnagar to our new King
God bless the Queen - God save the King
