The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II brings to an end a glorious reign which was marked by steadfast duty to Commonwealth, faith and family.

The words of Her Majesty are appropriate today for how many people are feeling: “Grief is the price we pay for love.”

The Queen visited Crawley on a number of occasions. In 1958, Her Majesty visited to open Gatwick Airport officially, and to also open Queen’s Square and plant a tree to mark the occasion.

Almost half a century later, in 2006, I had the honour of meeting the Queen at the opening of the new Thomas Bennett Community College.

Of course, whether we had met Her Majesty in person, or if we had observed her life and service on screen and in print, her dedication was never in question.

Her Majesty was always able to provide us with reassurance. This was perhaps most timely during the Covid-19 pandemic, where the Queen reminded us that we will meet again.

The Queen was not only our monarch and the head of the Commonwealth, but a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

As the Crown passes immediately to King Charles III, my thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty and all of the Royal Family.

The national anthem concludes;

“May he defend our laws,
“And ever give us cause,
“To sing with heart and voice,
“God save the King.”

Henry Smith
Member of Parliament
Crawley Constituency