It's times like now when people who take the monarch for granted as some sort of superhuman (myself included) are really made to stop and think about things.
I always thought she wasn't the same ever since Philip died last year.
On a personal level, the Queen has been the only monarch in this country throughout my lifetime, and even my parents. I've watched every Christmas speeche since 2013, and these days that's the only reason I ever look forward to Christmas. I'll miss that sense of warmth and personal familiarity she brings to most of those who hear her talk.
On a national level, as many people have already said, she has provided stability for the country in a time of uncertainty, change, war, political and economic crisis, you name it. Only the other day when the new Prime Minister took office, I said to someone, "At least the Queen's still with us!"
Most of all though, I'm thinking about the family level. I very much feel for her children and grandchildren, but most especially for Charles. He's lost his mother and now he's expected to be a king more or less straight away. That doesn't sit right with me, especially In the 21st century, when any other working person would get some form of compassionate leave.
And yet, I'm also excited for the future. Is it possible to say "long live the king" without sounding insensitive?
