Yesterday’s news seemed to come from out of nowhere and even though many of us knew this time would pass, none expected it to happen so quickly and with so little warning. We are a nation in sorrow. 10 days of national mourning have started with all the pomp and circumstance that this wonderful monarch deserves.

70 years of dedicated service to her country and I feel so fortunate that we were able to mark that occasion and celebrate with her earlier this year. I’m sure I won’t be alone in grieving this one individual who has been a constant not just in my life, but in the life of this country and many other countries around the world.

“Well done, good and faithful servant” – may you rest now in peace.