Ealing North
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Steve Pound MP Ealing North |
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The Loss of a Great Queen May 2002 The great vaulting vastness of Westminster Hall normally dwarfs the tourists, staff and parliamentarians who pass through it. There are some - very few - occasions when the Hall itself becomes the backdrop to the event rather than the main attraction. The Lying in State of the Queen Mother and the address to both Houses of Parliament by Nelson Mandela are as much a part of history as the trials of Charles I and William Wallace were. Last Tuesday I was privileged to be one of those who were present for the Presentation of Addresses by both Houses of Parliament and to hear the reply by Her Majesty the Queen. Pageantry is something that the British do better than any other nation. The spring sunlight shone through the huge stained glass window at the head of the great baronial Westminster Hall, built after the Norman Conquest by William Rufus. Parliamentarians sat in rare silence as the Speaker's procession entered and took their places on the left of the throne, two thirds of the way up the steps. The Lord Chancellor and his retinue than followed to their allotted space on the right of the throne. In silence, and in perfect step, the Queen's Body Guard of the Yeoman of the Guard, the "Beefeaters", marched slowly up the hall and line the steps on either side of the throne. Her Majesty's Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentleman at Arms, some old in years but all immaculate and dignified, followed them. Behind the throne the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry had silently entered and spaced out at the foot of the great window. It was the most perfectly choreographed display and, with theatrical split second timing, the Queen and Prince Philip appeared at the North Door as a fanfare of trumpets was sounded. Her Majesty and His Royal Highness took their seats and the Lord Chancellor, and then the Speaker of the House of Commons, read the Addresses. The Queen then replied. It is in the nature of the monarchy that many come to mock but most are stilled by the reality.The Queen spoke with such obvious sincerity and from so clear a sense of duty that even the most hardened republican heart was softened by her words. The great British constitutional writer, Walter Bagehot, said that the best way to cure those who harboured affection for the House of Lords was to actually see it in action. I would suggest that anyone who has similar doubts about the place of Queen Elizabeth in our nation should sometimes listen to what she says. After the National Anthem and the withdrawal of Her Majesty and His Royal Highness we were left in silence to marvel at what we had witnessed. As one who has never been a passionate Royalist I asked my neighbour if it were possible to hold the Queen in high esteem while being less enthusiastic about the institution of the monarch. "Absolutely not" barked a strong voice from behind me. I had not noticed Ann Widdecombe before and I'm not sure that I agree with her but the occasion certainly gave me pause for thought. April 30th. was a great State occasion. It was also the day on which Her Majesty won the hearts of those of her subjects who heard her speak. |
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| Disclaimer | Copyright | Designed by Bassam Mahfouz. Promoted by Julian Bell, The Labour Party, Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Road, W3 8PP on behalf of Steve Pound MP |
