It is with great sadness that I write about the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Going into the Chamber on Thursday 8th September for the return of First Minister’s Questions (FMQs) the mood was excitable. But toward the end, it suddenly shifted, and it was as though something sinister had engulfed the Chamber. It was then that MSPs were informed of Her Majesty’s ill-health and that she would remain under medical supervision at Balmoral.
Parliamentary business was set to continue while we awaited updates. However, we were all rightfully concerned about our Queen and although we were still present in Parliament, all our minds were clearly elsewhere.
We later received the sad news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had died peacefully, aged 96, at Balmoral.
While it is rarely possible to see the light in such dark times, Her Majesty lived a full life and I – and many others, too – seek comfort in knowing that she passed away in her beloved Balmoral Estate surrounded by loved ones.
To many, Her late Majesty felt like a grandmother – she was ever-present and lingered in our consciousness, whether you were aware of it or not – she was there.
As with many people, I felt like I knew her, despite having never met her. I always felt a sense of closeness watching her on the screen, and listening to her comforting words in her addresses to the nation.
Her late Majesty shaped modern Britain. She is the embodiment of British values. The integrity, grace, and love with which she ruled over her Kingdom runs deep in the hearts of Britons and the Commonwealth. While we will mourn her loss for years to come, her passing reminds us of our identity as a nation, one that is modern yet deep-rooted in historical tradition.
But Her Late Majesty not only reset the boundaries for modern Britain, but also the modern woman.
During World War II, she was a source of comfort with the BBC Children’s broadcast, but simultaneously acted as a beacon of strength with her insistence to join the war effort as part of the Auxiliary Territorial Service.
At such a young age, only in her twenties she became head of an entire nation and the Commonwealth in an otherwise male-dominated world, but it was no match for Her Majesty’s commitment to public service, her intelligence, diplomacy, and humility.
The outpouring of kind words and fond memories shared by world-leaders and international citizens speak to the impact and the reach of her legacy.
Even at times of political uncertainty, her wisdom and wealth of experience has no doubt been a strong shoulder for political leaders.
It was this commitment to public service, to her Kingdom and the Commonwealth which has inspired and paved the way for myself and many other women.
As Her late Majesty’s cortege made the journey from Balmoral to Edinburgh it was touching to see thousands of Scots lined up in towns, villages, and dual carriageways to bid farewell to Her late Majesty. The following day, we witnessed crowds in Edinburgh embrace her as she departed from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral.
It is perhaps only fitting that in her final act as Monarch, she brought our country together. The amazing turnout demonstrated the love Her late Majesty had for Scotland, and the love Scotland had for her.
But it was not just Britain that Her Majesty kept close to her heart, the Commonwealth held a unique place there, too. Across the 1960s, 80s, and 90s Her late Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh made several lengthy tours to India as well as countries such as Nepal and Pakistan. During her visits she made a concerted effort to immerse herself in culture and derived pleasure from visiting local factories and speaking with local people. This desire to know and understand different cultures resonated well across the world, and she was welcomed with open arms wherever she travelled.
I will forever be grateful to Her Majesty for her eternal love and ever-lasting loyalty to the British people and the Commonwealth; with the comfort of knowing our love for her will never falter.
As the period of mourning was underway, on Sunday 11th, I was honoured to attend the Proclamation of His Majesty King Charles III at Kilmardinny House in Bearsden alongside my colleague Cllr Alix Mathieson.
On Monday 12th, I made my way to the Scottish Parliament to witness the Procession of Her Late Majesty from Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’. It was incredibly emotional, but it was comforting to be alongside others who simply wanted to pay their respect to our Late Majesty.
I then headed back into the Scottish Parliament to sign the Book of Condolence. This was followed by the Motion of Condolence, and I sincerely thank the King and Queen Consort for their presence at the Motion of Condolence. Afterwards, I had the privilege of being invited to a reception with His Majesty King Charles III and the Queen Consort.
Her Majesty was seamlessly our leader and at one with us. During our dark days she comforted us and gave us hope, in better times she celebrated with us and laughed with us. But throughout it all, she was there.
I think that same quality is something that we are likely to see continue as His Majesty King Charles III succeeds her.
I personally know all too well the feeling of losing a parent. It’s the sort of pain you can never prepare yourself for, and that never leaves you. The strength displayed by His Majesty and the Royal Family over this past week has been tremendous, and I thank them for working tirelessly during what is arguably one of the most difficult moments of their lives. They put the nation first.
Her Majesty may have passed on, but her legacy will remain.
May she rest in glorious and eternal peace.
God Save The King.