RIP Queen Elizabeth II

Truly the end of an era! It is somewhat surreal to think that Her majesty Queen Elizabeth will no longer be seen as the constant, reliable head of state. However, for so many in the media to call it a shock is overstating it.

I and - despite claims to the contrary - the comfortable majority here in this part of the UK, are immensely proud to have been able to welcome her on so many occasions during her royal visits. Despite the 'issues' around how some saw her and the monarchy (still do) and the history of this place that brought sorrow and grief upon her and her family, she held her dignity and her poise when meeting the man (Martin Mcguinness) who - at the very least - was among those who celebrated the death of Louis Mountbatten. It can't have been easy for her at all! I acknowledge the difficulty it gave him too to cross the rubicon he did!