Our country has been through a period of reflection as we mourned Her Majesty The Queen. As well as reflecting on her life as our greatest ever monarch, many have reflected on what the passing of our longest ever head of state will mean for our nation going forward.
Many of us have observed how the loss of our Queen has brought people together. It has been noticeable when seeing people interviewed who were queuing to see The Queen laying in state, how people from all backgrounds, walks of life, and from countries around the world, wanted to pay their respects. This is testament to the enduring and incredibly broad appeal that Her Majesty had.
On Sunday evening, it felt poignant to join with fellow councillors, our MP, the High Sherriff of West Sussex, veterans, representatives from other faiths, and residents from across the town, in attending a special commemoration service at St John’s Church in the town centre. I write immediately after this event and in advance of the state funeral, which I expect is an event that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.
Queen Elizabeth II will always be in the fabric of our nation as well as in our hearts, but we are entering a time of change and that can feel unsettling. I do however have every confidence that King Charles III, while continuing the best traditions from his mother, will very much be his own man and will invigorate our monarchy and ultimately our country.
It is almost easy to forget that we also have a new Prime Minister as well as a new King. The roles are of course very different, but it is a sign of the strength of our democracy, that our Monarch and Prime Minister can both change in one week without major political upheaval or worse. I believe the events of the last fortnight have shown that being a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament serves our country well and will continue to do so. Our system works and like our King, long may it reign.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group
21st September 2022
