WHAT an emotional rollercoaster Monday was.
Swept up in the moment, I felt that the Queen’s final act was to unite us, her subjects, in grief and gratitude.
That reassuring and constant hand reached out to us for a final time in a day that embodied our values and traditions.
And, at a dark time in world affairs, rarely has it been so necessary and had such an impact.
A staggering five billion people watched worldwide, while 500 foreign leaders and dignitaries attended the funeral Service.
Hushed crowds, many camping overnight, witnessed soldiers, sailors and airmen from all corners of the kingdom accompany their Queen to her final resting place.
From the first journey along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, to the vigil in Westminster Hall, to the sombre grandeur of the service in Windsor, every step was planned meticulously.
The uniforms, carriages, horses, marching bands and sheer pomp and splendour were breath-taking, and will linger long in the memories of those who saw them.
As many said, they felt they were living through history.
The significance of the crown, sceptre and orb being removed from the coffin and placed on the altar at St George’s chapel was inescapable.
Until King Charles III is crowned, they have been given back to God.
My thoughts now lie with the King and the rest of the Royal Family.
They must be exhausted.
Time for them to now reflect on the past few days in peace.
We, too, can reminisce, on a remarkable lady whose sense of selfless duty and sacrifice nurtured us for more than 70 years.
Now, a new era dawns, and the Queen’s legacy is a country clearly in tune with the Monarchy, an institution that does out country proud.