I am not a Royalist.
But upon hearing of Queen Elizabeth's death yesterday (whilst waiting to go and see a theatre show), tears immediately sprang to my eyes and I became really upset. My throat still aches this morning. And my reaction has surprised me.
I mean, I don't know this person. I've never met her, or admired her body of work. There have been many times in the past when her actions have disappointed and even angered me. And yet here I am, mourning the loss of one of the most privileged people in the world.
I've always done whatever the hell I wanted, and to live a life of duty and servitude, however opulent, is mind boggling to me. The admiration I feel is related to the fact that she really was one of the last of her kind, I think. In an ever-changing world, she was a constant. We had Queen Lizzie. Looking at her pictures now, I see my Grandad. I see Grandma Wendy. I see loved ones lost. I see the end of an era.
The UK has been through the ringer the past couple of years, as have most other places. I don't know many people who aren't struggling at the moment, whether it be emotionally or financially. The country feels bruised and tender. And today it feels just a little more uncertain.
Thank you for your service, Your Highness.