This has been a poignant month as we say goodbye to our most gracious Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll.
It feels so strange to imagine life without our beloved Queen. She has been in our life for so long and for most of us, the only monarch we have known. But celebrate her life we must and what an extraordinary life it has been.
She has been the greatest ambassador for Britain and the Commonwealth, a steadfast role model who dedicated her whole life to duty and with such grace and poise. That beautiful infectious smile that she is so famous for will be remembered forever.
England said goodbye to the Queen in a manner that befitted her unique reign. Thousands of people lined the streets to say their farewell and they brought with them an astonishing number of floral tributes to adorn sidewalks, parks, and the Queen's private residences.
The language of flowers speak volumes, it is given for all the seasons of our life - at births as well as final partings.
It is well known that our Queen loved her gardens and she always had fresh seasonal flowers from her gardens to adorn all her homes wherever she was. She was known for her fondness for white flowers and ‘Lily of the valley ‘ and sweet peas were among her favourites.
In a touching tribute to her, the beautiful wreath that was placed on her coffin for her final journey was from her son - our new King.
He especially chose all the flowers from the gardens at Buckingham palace, Clarence House and Highgrove. The striking wreath reflected the many colours of the jewels in her crown and the flowers carried a symbolic message.
The wreath contained Myrtle, the symbol of happy marriage, a sprig cut from a plant that was grown from a cutting in the Queen's wedding bouquet. It also contained Rosemary as a symbol of remembrance and English Oak, a symbol of strength, in a nod to the Queen's extraordinary strength and absolute dedication to her duty.
I shall always remember her last Christmas broadcast in 2021 after the death of her husband that year - she said “life consists of final partings as well as first meetings”. Looking back now I find those words rather poignant and it brings home to all of us, that there is a time and season for everything, a time to be born and a time to die.
Rest in peace Your Majesty and thank you for everything.
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