Rest in Peace, Queen Elizabeth


Like so many, I've been shaken and really saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II. What an incredible monarch, and indeed person - in so many ways. Feel very lucky to have grown up with her as our Queen, a woman who consistently embodied such important values through the decades of change.

Over the past few days, it’s been special to hear recollections of those with personal stories - I loved the one where an American tourist to Scotland didn't recognize HM and asked if she'd ever met the Queen - to which she replied that she hadn't but her protection officer Dickie who was with her at the time, had. The tourist was so impressed he asked the Queen to take a photo of him with the protection officer!

My grandfather would have chuckled at that story and I think in a way her death brings back memories of many of our late grandparents - those who lived through the war and great change and came out the other side with not just a sense of duty and quiet dignity but also humour, kindness and general unflappable-ness. It feels like the end of an era.

Sharing a favourite photo of Her Majesty in 175 New Bond Street - back before I was born. It was probably the umpteenth visit she'd made that day but still she's smiling, interested and approachable as so many remember her. Rest in Peace Elizabeth the Great.

Francesca Cartier Brickell