The most memorable happening of recent date was the death
on March 30 of Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. The media covered
her life so fully in word and picture, film and newspaper
features, that there is nothing to be added here except to
say that as an Institution we express our sympathy to Her
Majesty the Queen, who lost her sister, Princess Margaret,
on February 9, and the members of the Royal Family for whom
Prince Charles spoke of his grandmother, lovingly and thankfully.
The note he struck was the proper one, for while there is
a deep sense of loss at the passing of a gracious Queen and
an altogether remarkable lady who contributed so much in her
century long life to her family and to all who admired, respected
and valued her total commitment to her country and its peoples.
There is thankfulness for a life which exhibited in the most
practical ways, those virtues esteemed still by good people
everywhere. The funeral with its pageantry, immense and magnificent
ceremonial procession, the laying in state in Westminster
Hall and the service in Westminster Abbey was a fitting tribute
to the lady who had earned the love and respect of millions
here and throughout the world. The dignity, solemnity and
fitness of the occasion as we saw it on television, and by
word and picture in the press, left us with lasting memories,
and for some happy remembrances of her visit here and her
pleasure in them. As an Institution whose loyalty to the Crown
is never in doubt we mourn the passing of a gracious lady
who demonstrated in her life that sincere faith in God which
showed in her service for people.
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