Memories of a Monarch-By Dr Remy Perumal Retired Consultant Physician and Freelance Journalist UK
a personal tribute
Queen Elizabeth 11, the longest reigning Monarch, has died. This is a seismic event in the history of the United Kingdom. The World mourns her passing.
As I write this piece, I hear the bells toll at the West Minster Cathedral and the churches nearby. The immediate sense of sorrow was evident amongst the ordinary citizens of London. From the sentiments expressed by the Londoners and the tourists interviewed on television, it is obvious, how fond they were of the Queen. Many had come to be in the vicinity of Buckingham Palace, a need they felt, to be there in person, near the late Queen’s residence. Their presence was, for sombre contemplation, to lay flowers by the railings or to light a candle, in memory of their revered monarch. In the next few days this outpouring of affection became evident all over the country. This is an expression of gratitude or a personal alignment to a family experience. Her late Majesty’s constant presence meant to them, she was considered a member of their family- a mother,
grandmother or great grandmother. Such is the poignancy and proximity of feeling, of her majesty’s loyal subjects. This sincerity of feeling transcends those tributes of politicians, foreign dignitaries or royalty, that have poured in, since her death was announced.
For me, the late Queen is the monarch of our time, the only monarch I know. I do recall vividly, her Majesty’s visit to Ceylon, as it was known then, in 1954. This visit of the young queen had been rescheduled because of the untimely death of her father, King George V1. I do remember waking up at 4am to get to our allocated viewing position. Our family had a place at the General Post office in Colombo Fort. From the window of my father’s office in the first floor, we had a good view of the main entrance of Queen’s House, the residence of the Governor General of Ceylon, where the Royal couple stayed. We certainly did have a grandstand view of the young Queen and Prince Philip as they stood at the entrance to Queens House and waved to the crowds that gathered to see them.
In the late 1990’s I was fortunate to meet the Queen. Her Majesty was invited to open a new wing of the Hospital I was working in, in North Lincolnshire. Not included in the party welcoming the Queen, I with other colleagues had lined up in the corridor outside the wing her Majesty declared open. After the opening, as she walked down that corridor, the queen came over to us. She spoke to us, inquired about our role and expressed her
gratitude for the work we do. It was brief but a memorable experience, which, I have treasured and cherished.It is indeed a coincidence that the Queen, decided to spend her last days in her beloved Balmoral Estate, in Scotland. Although expected at her age, her sudden demise, strangely seems unusual. It seems unreal, because, at her great age, she was still working. It is a shock because, only 48 hours before, she was seen on Television, accepting the resignation of the outgoing Prime Minister and appointing the successor.
Hence, a palpable sense of grief has engulfed the nation. The Queen may be no more but, her legacy will live on for many years to come. Her inclusivity, state craft, political insight, hard work and commitment to the service, will be remembered and will be an inspiration to us all. We do need this reassurance, as the United Kingdom steps into a new era, with a new head of state, new government and new Prime Minister and the challenges that lie ahead, are formidable.
As the United Kingdom is now in a period of mourning, we pause to reflect and remember her unparalleled reign. It is pertinent, at this time, to focus on the late monarch’s words – “ every day brings a new life and new hope….”. This powerful statement is particularly relevant to life today. Liz Truss, our new Prime Minister, in her first speech to the Nation, did emphasise that our late queen “was the rock on which modern Britain is built”. Thus, it is our hope that this firm foundation will be the masonry, on which Britain will prosper and continue to grow. To this end, this nation must shed petty political differences, unite, banish the existing malaise, reignite our work ethic and move forward.
I conclude this tribute to our iconic queen with a phrase from the speech to the Nationby our King, Charles 111” “May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest”
“ Rest in peace your Majesty”
