Given he was 99 his death was not a surprise but what did surprise me was the level of sadness I felt upon hearing the news. I'm not a strong monarchist but, on balance, feel both the UK and Australia should retain it.
I expected his death to be no more than a passing news item for me but, for unknown reasons, I felt a much deeper sadness and sense of loss - perhaps because he's been around all of my life and was something of a constant: I shall miss him.
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"I beseech you in the bowels of Christ think it possible you may be mistaken"
Oliver Cromwell, 3rd August 1650 - in a letter to the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland
I agree with you Mike. I think he had a remarkable career and served his country well. He served in the RN and saw plenty of action in WW2. I enjoyed his comments regarding other people and occasions. I think he had a pretty good sense of humour.
I recall some police telling me about one of his visits to Australia. I think he was here without HM and was touring around the country. It was their job to act as security and to drive him to various locations. They reckoned he was the most down to earth, funniest and all round good bloke that you could find.
I to was effect in a way I hadn't expected. I Googled his WW2 service. He wasn't "just" an officer with privilege. He actually got shot at and acted with bravery. He wasn't afraid of being politically correct either. God bless him.
I see that the Royals are all to wear mourning suits and not military uniforms. It is reported that Prince Andrew wanted to wear his honorary admirals outfit but HM has not approved. I think that as Harry is now the Count of California he is unable to wear his military uniform anymore so all the Royals have to make do with just wearing all their medals.
I wonder what Prince Phillip would have made of it all.
It's sad that they had to wear those darned masks. Yes there is a virus out there. And yes I think that no one would have minded if there was an exception for just this occasion.
As being ex UK ,I was extremely saddened to see the Queen sitting by herself . Why or why didn`t Charles or one of the other sons break with protacol and just SIT WITH THERE MUM!!!
I agree it was a very sad picture, to see the Queen all alone.
But once again the Queen and the family did what was right, and showed the country that they were not going to claim special privilege in their dark hour, unlike others during the epidemic who felt the rules put in place to protect all did not apply to them. Imagine the outcry from those who wish to see the Monarchy gone if they had chosen to ignore the rules!
To me it was a moment where the Queen and family connected once again with those who lost loved ones during this time, and were unable to have the funeral they really wanted. Well done to them.
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Regards Ian
Chaos, mayhem, confusion. Good my job here is done
As a died in the wool Republican and having experienced the British class system from birth to aged 29, I have no sympathy at all for inherited priviledge. However, I have the utmost regard for Her Maj and Philip for the way that they devoted themselves to the job. As for the rest of them well...................
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Those who wish to reap the blessings of freedom must, as men, endure the fatigue of defending it.
As much as I detest the monarchy and aristocracy, I can see the obvious contrast between Phil's funeral and the state funeral that was recently given to an Australian fashion designer. WTF?
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"No friend ever served me, and no enemy ever wronged me, whom I have not repaid in full."
