I knew this day was coming. But I didn't expect her to go downhill so quickly.
I'm guessing that she might've felt that she'd done enough.
The colour of her hands in the photo with Liz Truss, would suggest a circulation
issue. Correct me if I'm wrong.
I know that when someone no longer wants to go on, the end can be swift.
Given the very reticent comments from the Palace, I'd surmise that she was made 'comfortable' with some sedation.
Not a bad way to go. If go you must.
As a symbol of the Union, The Queen was loved by many here in Northern Ireland. But not for that reason alone.
She was an extraordinary woman. At eighteen she was determined to join the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service), the women's branch of the Army during World War II. She trained and served alongside enlisted soldiers and fellow junior officers. While at the same time, her future husband was serving with distinction in what was probably the most dangerous theatre of the war at that time for the Royal Navy. The Mediterranean. I feel sure, that amongst many other things, their wartime service bound Elizabeth and Philip together. They both volunteered as soon as they could, alongside millions of others and both served with distinction.
Lord Mountbatten arranged for her to meet Prince Philip. And the two fell in love.
A love story that lasted until Philip's death. All the more remarkable when you consider
that the Queen Mother was dead against her daughter marrying some obscure, penniless,
Greek Prince. Apparently Philip had a hard time from the Queen Mother for most of her life.
But, he took it, for the woman he loved and he kept her grounded, supported and laughing,
until the end.
The Queen believed in The Commonwealth and under her leadership, it grew from seven to
fifty-four nations. Throughout her reign, she very rarely put a foot wrong. Notably, The Palace
was caught left footed when Diana died, but in my lifetime, that's the only instance that I can
think of.
I was amazed and deeply moved, when she met Martin McGuinness and shook his hand.
Given that he, as part of the IRA Army Council, would've sanctioned the murder of Lord
Mountbatten.
Having lived in County Cork for several years and called it home. I was in tears when I saw how
she was greeted by the people of Cork and delighted at the joy she experienced there, in places
she visited, that I had come to love.
I don't know of any other head of state that has led their country so faithfully and so well.
At the end of World War Two, the Americans were determined to dismantle the British Empire
as expediently as possible and they succeeded. Throughout our long decline, our only constants
have been our borders and our sovereign. Our sovereign has gone and we must carry on.
I can think of only one tribute that we can make that is befitting Elizabeth R and that is to rebuild
Great Britain and Northern Ireland into a great country again. To rid ourselves of poverty and
homelessness. To lead the world again in healthcare, science, technology and their applications.
To close the gap between the regions and London and between all the ethnicities that make up
our nation.
I am in shock still. I don't know when that will pass. I suspect though, that until my own passing,
there is a gap that cannot be filled, but which must be borne.
Rest in Peace Your Majesty.
God Save The King.
(Apologies for my earlier mistake regarding the Queen's wartime service)
