Amcham, deeply saddened by the news of the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II asked some of our Members and Friends their thoughts on the passing of this amazing monach! Below we shared their views…….
Lisa Burke |
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“As part of the BBC Symphony Chorus for many years I had the honour of singing in Buckingham Palace Gardens for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. It was the most wonderful event: a mix of classical, pop and rock music. I recall Brian May playing guitar from the roof of the palace! We sang at the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall every year, always the first and the last night, plus a number in the middle, and naturally often had to sing the National Anthem, which will now change to ‘God Save our Gracious King’.
I think with the Queen’s passing we have all realised what an exemplary figure of service she was. ’Serviam’ was the motto of my secondary school and reflecting on the Queen’s life I think she lived that word. As is often the way, we learn so much about a person once they have gone, and during this period of mourning the Queen’s life, her stoicism, her quiet diplomacy, the soft and apolitical presence to smooth rocky political patches. I think she has been a fantastic Head of State and an emblem of the Best of British. ”
Nazir Zubairi |
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“Her Majesty, Queen Elisabeth II, gave 70 years of unwavering and devoted service to our country. Stoic, always dignified, compassionate when required, she personified commitment, integrity and respect. She was the most famous person in the world and I believe it has been a privilege for all the world to have witnessed her time with us. She was an inspiring leader and a role model. She seemed eternal, perhaps she is; she will live in the hearts and minds of her family and many the world over for a long, long time. Rest in peace your Majesty.”
Darren Robinson |
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“We knew the day would come; it came in a tidal wave of emotion. The news was rolling and when the announcement arrived, my wife and I looked at each other and just wept. The emotion took us by complete surprise. Our Queen has been a constant public figure all our lives and in the lives of our parents. I remember the Silver Jubilee in 1977 where every school child received a Jubilee crown coin, I cherished it and I still have it today. We had the Golden, the Diamond, and a spectacular Platinum Jubilee this year, my favourite part was the Paddington Bear sketch, which will always bring a tear to my eye. My son was born here, and we all felt compelled to recognise our British heritage and sign the book of condolences at the British Embassy in Luxembourg. ‘Thank you for everything.’ #MyQueen”
Jane Barton |
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“As so many people have said, Her Majesty was omnipresent. I grew up in a country where this wonderful lady represented an incomparable work ethic and provided us all with an example to follow. I was actually in the UK when her passing was announced and so experienced first-hand the flood of sorrow and loss which swept across the country. We realised that although we had not had the honour to know her personally, she meant a huge amount to us all and we deeply regretted the loss.
One member of my family actually worked for the foreign service and was thus in regular contact with the royal family, so he was particularly sad to hear the news. He shared his memory of her with us “she was always so approachable, but at the same time so regal” and he was immeasurably proud to have served her.”
David Clark |
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“I was born in Queensland, Australia, a British Subject and a Citizen of Australia. Australian citizens only stopped being British subjects in 1984, however the Queen remained as Head of State as she was for 15 states in the Commonwealth. The success of the Commonwealth owes much to her political acumen and tact, her commitment to her duties as a constitutional monarch and head of the Commonwealth which consists of 56 independent states. A British or Australian army officer’s oath of loyalty was to Queen Elizabeth and her successors, rather than the Government of the day.
Elizabeth, herself a devout Christian, was Head of the Church of England. She was the only European Head of State who had been anointed in a religious ceremony.
She pledged at the age of 21 that “my whole life whether it be long or short” shall be devoted to the service of her imperial family. She never abdicated and chose to die in Scotland reinforcing her devotion to the Union of Scotland and the United Kingdom.”
Jim Kent |
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“The Queen was iconic in so many ways with her culture, style and grace, perhaps the last remaining thread that wove British society together while maintaining an apolitical stance on the many issues that did divide the nation. Her passing and the events surrounding it, are a reminder of a world that was less interested in diversity and environmentalism and more of entitlement and class structure, but is this reprioritisation of societal values completely good?
Whatever one’s point of view there can be few that would not offer their respects to a woman who sacrificed so much to the role she had no choice in receiving, despite the fringe benefits being generous. For Brits living in Luxembourg, it is an opportunity to allow oneself space to mourn and yet take pride in an institution that is a defining part of who we are.”
