HM Queen Elizabeth II – Queen of Scots
We are all still coming to terms with the recent passing of Her Majesty The Queen. Our family are deeply saddened by her death but also hugely proud of how Scotland has wrapped her in a tender embrace and will send her onward to London with the love, warmth and respect of a nation in mourning.
Jim and I have been in the presence of the Royal Family on a couple of occasions over the years – most recently at the Royal Garden Party this summer at Holyrood Palace. Although we glimpsed the Queen at a window she did not join the other Royals for tea, but the Prince of Wales (as he was then), the Princess Royal, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie the Countess of Wessex all mingled freely with guests and we enjoyed a wonderful day in the Palace grounds.
The men of the Royal Company of Archers made a great impression on us both that day. Their bows and Balmoral bonnets adorned with an eagle feather are so distinctive. We learnt that the Archers were originally an archery club – formed in 1676.
Their role now is to form 
the Sovereign’s bodyguard and with the crown passing to King Charles III they have been at the centre of ceremonial events following the Queen’s death.
Today, her coffin continued its journey to England. We feel blessed that Scotland was the last place the Queen called home and we join those who mourn her sudden loss. We send our heart felt condolences to Members of the Royal Family who have lost a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and of course a much loved and respected global icon who ruled for longer than any Monarch in British history with grace, dignity, diplomacy and selflessness.
King Charles III has big boots to fill so we wish him well – it will not be an easy task but he has his mother’s footsteps to follow.
God Save the King!