I was very proud to have seen the queen up close on 2 occasions in 1954 when I was one of many Grade 8 students in Brisbane Queensland who marched to the Exhibition Ground and formed a Tableau – which comprised the floral emblems of Queensland, the Poinsettias in red, green and yellow plus the words “OUR   QUEEN” in the centre.  I was one of 3 students on the corner of the “Q”  we practised our marching for many weeks every lunch hour and could have put any soldiers to shame.

I’ve always felt close to our Beloved Queen especially after I joined Mothers Union over 50 years ago and knew she was our Patron.  I have felt very sad since she aged so much but very happy that her health allowed her to serve all the countries of the Commonwealth for so many years and inspire the world towards peace. 

May she Rest in Peace..