Queen Elizabeth was always going to die with her boots on

Queen Elizabeth II was always going to die with her boots on. Retirement was akin to that dreaded word “abdication”. So on she went right to the end. One prime minister in, one out. All in a day’s work.

She was a part of us all, and she’s taken that part with her. Something is missing now that she’s gone.

Lynn Brymer

Kent

I listened to Charles’s first speech as King and now, on reading the text, feel that it was perfectly pitched. It was humble, sincere in his love for his mother, and this shone through.

This has been a tumultuous week but I feel the monarchy is in good hands with him and his Queen consort, Camilla, at the helm. In the end it all came rather unexpectedly, although we all knew the Queen was struggling with her health.

I am so pleased that she was there to enjoy her platinum jubilee celebrations and now a new royal chapter begins with a tight, fully committed entity who will support each other during this transition, as the Queen would have wanted.

Judith A Daniels

Norfolk

In common with many others who have limited enthusiasm for the institution of monarchy, I have enormous respect for the late Queen. She served the nation diligently and well throughout her 70-year reign. She will be greatly missed. Her loss is bound to be keenly felt by her grieving family. Of course we must offer them our sympathy.

However, although we all know a lot about her, most of us did not know her personally. She lived long and well and, as far as we know, had not a bad end, with her family around her. Surely, therefore, her death should be regarded not as a tragedy but as the natural and timely culmination of a good life.

Let us all rejoice for you Ma’am!

Susan Alexander

Gloucestershire

The arched double rainbow appearing over both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, just before the passing of Queen Elizabeth II was announced, was indeed a genuine phenomenon. It appears as though the heavens above were all lit up for the arrival of Her Royal Majesty. As one era ends, a new one begins as King Charles III ascends the throne. God Save the King.

JoAnn Lee Frank

Florida

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With King Charles announcing he will be spending less time on some of his activities, who is going to ensure the supply of my Duchy Original biscuits?

G Forward

Stirling