Thank you, Mr Speaker, for allowing us to sit late tonight. Bosworth has an affinity and eternal history with the monarchy. We had the battle of Bosworth in August 1485, which saw the death of Richard III and the crowning of Henry VII, so my constituency has a palpable, visible history with the monarchy, which is still there and proud today.
We have heard over and over the description of duty. I challenge any Member in this House to find a better person in British history to personify duty. To me, she is Queen Elizabeth the Dutiful.
As Members of Parliament, we have the honour of representing and reflecting the opinions and feelings of our constituents, and something that had never before happened, in over 1,000 years of monarchy, is the ability to feel that immediately because of social media—the chance for us to reflect the feelings of the nation. I have been struck by a poem that has been sent to me by several constituents and many councillors—I am sure that it will have graced the screens of other hon. Members, too. I would like to read it, because it is visceral and encapsulates the feelings of the nation:
“Philip came to me today, and said, ‘It’s time to go.
I looked at him and smiled, and I whispered, ‘Yes, I know.’
I then turned and looked behind me, and saw I was asleep.
All the family were around me, and then I could hear them weep.
I gently touched each shoulder, with Philip by my side.
Then I turned away and walked, with my angel husband as a guide.
Philip held my hand, and he guided me on the way,
To a world where Kings and Queens, are monarchs every day.
I was given a crown to wear, or a halo, known by some.
The difference is up here, they are worn by everyone.
I felt a sense of peace, my reign had seen its end.
70 years I had served my country, as the people’s dearest friend.
Thank you for the years, for all your time and love.
Now I am one of two again, in our palace up above.”
May Her late Majesty rest in peace. Long live the King.
10.26 pm