“I join the whole nation in mourning, but also in commemoration of a most extraordinary reign and a most exceptional life.”
“This will be a difficult time for us all but I know we will all look after our fellow members as we look back over Her Majesty The Queen’s remarkable life and mourn her death.”
Mummy laughs and cries with us all, the Prince tells the Party at the Palace crowd.
In these days of her Platinum Jubilee, we give thanks both local and ceremonial for her faithful service to her people.
This is the first time that Her Majesty has missed the State Opening in almost 60 years.
There is real concern among Centre-Right students that their opinions will result in their being penalised academically.
It is a shame that IRA violence – and Westminster neglect – undid the hopeful and constructive spirit in which Stormont was born.
Despite the recent bad press, the overall numbers suggest the institution is probably here to stay.
Bagehot’s purely dignified role for the monarchy only works if tireless duty and service are at its heart – as in this case.
Constitutionally, socially, and symbolically, the monarchy is an institution that binds us together in ways no presidency could.
She has lost a beloved husband and the country has lost one of the most admirable public servants in its history.
In looking to the monarchy’s future, we follow in his footsteps. He was its original moderniser in our times.
Far from being a reactionary as sometimes caricatured, he was always compassionate and open-minded, as well as brave.
That sorrow, more profound than many people had expected, is a measure of the affection and respect in which he was held.
We have little to lose, and much to gain, by offering special arrangements to nations and subjects that share our Crown.