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Dear John, What a profound shift there feels today, following the news of the death of The Queen at Balmoral Castle this morning. She had such a steadfast and longstanding presence in New Zealanders’ lives that it felt a little as though she’d always be with us. Like so many of us today, I’m reflecting on her life of service to the United Kingdom and to the Commonwealth. From the time of her coronation 70 years ago, with her pledge to devote her life, whether it be long or short, to public service, she really could not have given more of herself to the role. Through seven tumultuous decades she led the Commonwealth, combining a sense of continuity and tradition, yet also adapting the monarchy to a changing world and making herself and the monarchy more approachable and accessible. She made 10 visits to New Zealand as monarch and always expressed a genuine affection for this country.
Today we also acknowledge The Queen as a mother, grandmother and great grandmother and I know the thoughts of all of us are with her family and our new monarch, King Charles III. He has said today that his mother’s death is the greatest sadness for him and all his family, and of course we all acknowledge that. Over the coming days there will be various ceremonial events, both in the UK and in New Zealand, marking The Queen’s death and King Charles’ accession. I will represent the National Party in New Zealand wherever I am required, but it is mostly simply as a citizen that today I give thanks for the life of a remarkable and selfless woman and monarch who dedicated her life’s work to public service and who never wavered from that lifelong commitment she made as a young woman. I’m sure you’ll all have your own thoughts and recollections that you will share privately or publicly with your friends and families in the days ahead. The Queen touched us all – even those who never met her and that alone is a testament to the role she played in all our lives. Best wishes to you all, |
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