Rest in Peace your Majesty

Today the focus of the world has been on a woman who, in spite of her soft-spoken voice and slightness of stature nevertheless bestrode the planet with a gigantic reputation. She was the very personification of Monarchy, not only in the United Kingdom but also other Commonwealth realms, having been thrust into the spotlight by the untimely death of her father.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II reigned for an unprecedented seven decades, during which she came to mean something to all of us. Loved by millions, to thousands she was simply ‘the boss’ because they had taken an oath of allegiance to her as members of the Armed Forces or the police. Amongst the latter was Dave Wheeler, now Provincial Grand Master for Lincolnshire. Here he shares personal feelings at the loss of the only Monarch most of us have ever known, and invites us to remember what she meant to us…

Posted: 4 October 2022

Photo of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II from April 2000

Television documentaries about Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the days after her death have done much to focus our minds on the achievements of our Monarch over her lifetime of service.

The impact of her life is immeasurable; always a steady and respected influence as both an international diplomat and latterly the nation’s favourite caring grandmother. Now that we have witnessed her state funeral it is time to look forward to the reign of King Charles III, and to take with us memories of the late Queen; the only Queen most of us have ever known.

Like everyone, I am still trying to process the very sad news of her passing. After more than 70 years on the throne it seems inconceivable that she is no longer our Monarch, and yet the transition to the reign of King Charles III is seamlessly under way.

Although I never met The Queen, I was on duty for her visit to Lincoln in 1980 and privately attended her Silver and Diamond Jubilee celebrations with members of my family. I felt somehow that I knew her, just, as I suspect, did you.

I swore an oath of allegiance to Her Majesty as a Police Officer in 1978 and, like thousands of others, have felt a very strong bond to both her and the Royal Family over the years.

On Thursday 20th April 2000, my late mother was a recipient of Maundy Money when The Queen was present at the annual service taking place at Lincoln Cathedral. My mother, an ardent supporter of the Royal Family, defied all the protocols and managed to shake hands and have a long chat with Her Majesty. Mother was 78 at the time, and it was her proudest-ever moment.

Outside the Cathedral, my son and I watched as The Queen walked to the County Assembly Rooms for a reception. My son took the photo, above, which is as treasured in our family as the Maundy Money itself as a timeless reminder both of a very special day and of our magnificent Queen, who always put service to the country above herself.

In this time of extreme sadness, it is right that we take time to reflect on the past, and I know many Freemasons will have personal memories to treasure and share. I hope my recollections will spark similar personal thoughts for you as we look to the future, in the service of our new King, with optimism and hope.

Photo of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in a green dress