Agenda item

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

The Council will observe a minute’s silence in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

 

The Chairman will then invite Members to reflect on her life and legacy.

Minutes:

The Chairman stated that, given the sad news from Buckingham Palace on 8th September 2022 that HM Queen Elizabeth II had died, and the period of national mourning that followed, it was appropriate for Council to take time at the start of this meeting to mark this historic occasion. 

 

Council stood for one minute’s silence in memory of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

 

Councillor Isobel Seccombe led tributes, commending the Queen’s dedication of her life to service and how thoroughly and well she had fulfilled her pledge.  The soft partnership work that Her Majesty had conducted internationally had been of incalculable benefit to the United Kingdom.  15 Prime Ministers had served her and she had provided wise counsel to them all and been a rock for the country. It was a true reflection of her strength of personality that, in the two days before her death, Her Majesty was putting her duties first and welcoming a new Prime Minister.  Councillor Seccombe stated that Her Majesty’s interest in people of all ages, nations, and races; her interest in their work and communities and how those communities were supported was the foundation of her soft partnership skills.  Councillor Seccombe also reflected on Her Majesty’s visit to Stratford-upon-Avon in 1986, and her support of the Royal Show at Stoneleigh. She noted that the Queen had effortlessly mixed her personal interests with public duty and this was no doubt what helped her to deal with the stresses and strains of life in public service.  Councillor Seccombe extended condolences to the Royal Family and commended their strength in sharing their loss in such a public way.  She considered that Her Majesty’s guidance had undoubtedly been of great important to her family, particularly King Charles III, and the world would be a better place with more people like the Queen.  In conclusion, Councillor Seccombe expressed her gratitude to those individuals and teams who had supported the efforts of the County Council and the Lord Lieutenant’s Office through the period of national mourning.  

 

Councillor John Holland echoed the remarks of Councillor Seccombe, particularly noting the Queen’s long and dedicated service during which she had seen the evolution of the British Empire into the Commonwealth and how her influence had seen it develop into the strong organisation it was. Councillor Holland noted the links the people all over the world had to the Queen and the United Kingdom and how many British people could claim to have met the Queen.  He noted that the Queen had travelled to Warwickshire on a number of occasions, for public and private events, and her signature appeared in the Register at St Mary’s Church as she had witnessed a private wedding there.  

 

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse placed on record thanks to HM Queen Elizabeth II for her commitment throughout 70 years’ service.  This was a momentous occasion in history as the Elizabethan period came to an end and the massive task of changing coins, notes, stamps, letter boxes, etc began.  Councillor Roodhouse reflected on the Queen’s sense of humour and the way that she could relax people with her smile.

 

Councillor Jonathan Chilvers reflected on his work with people struggling with addiction and homelessness and how despite the chaos and disarray of their lives, for many of these people their grandmother was a constant in their life; the Queen had very much been a grandmother to the nation.  She had been a touchstone of continuity, stability and wisdom as things changed over the course of her reign and her loss was deeply felt.  Councillor Chilvers noted that the baton had now been passed and considered that in many ways it lay with each elected Member in the Chamber representing their residents and communities and requested that each redouble their efforts to provide stability and, in honour of Her Majesty, be the person that people can turn to when they need help.

 

Councillor Judy Falp reflected on the fact that the Queen was the only monarch she had known and recalled her father being moved to meet the Queen as the Royal Family had remained in London throughout the second world war. Councillor Falp also recalled meeting King Charles III at the Royal Show and commended his love for his people and the countryside and she considered that, in turn, Prince William would make a good monarch.   She commended the Royal Family for their strength in their loss, particularly the Queen’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Councillor Pete Gilbert considered that it was important for the Chamber to take time to pay tribute.   He extolled HM Queen Elizabeth II as the greatest monarch in history and that to have witnessed this in our lifetime was a privilege.   He reflected on her ability to combine majesty with humility and her optimistic attitude which was always apparent in her inspirational Christmas broadcasts.  Councillor Gilbert reflected on the personal responsibility with which the Queen undertook the role of Supreme Governor of the Church of England and considered that it was not necessary to be a Christian to admire her devotion to her faith and the way she conducted her life in observance of that faith.

 

Councillor O’Donnell shared a personal experience when HM The Queen had visited the village in which Councillor O’Donnell’s family had lived and how she had her sister had been jubilant when the Queen pointed out the Silver Jubilee banner they had created.  Councillor O’Donnell also reflected on the Queen’s values, her role as an emotional anchor for the nation, and admired her ability to bring peace and reassurance, never waivering or complaining during her 70 years of service. Councillor O’Donnell concluded with the famous Paddington Bear quote: “Thank you Ma’am, for everything”.

 

Cllr Christopher Kettle commended the example that Her Majesty had set and how steadfast and unshakeable she was, demonstrating her strength of character in the face of adversity such as when Michael Fagin broke into the Palace. He noted that the Queen had continued travelling well into her twilight years and hers was an example he would remember for all his life.

 

Councillor Parminder Singh Birdi shared his family’s memories of the then Princess Elizabeth visiting Kenya and returning to Britain a Queen. He had personally met her on two occasions and shared his admiration for her ability to make those she spoke to feel at ease and like the most important person in the world.  Councillor Birdi considered that the Queen was a unique person and a great lady to learn from.