The beginning

These stamps marked the beginning of Queen Elizabeth’s reign in 1952.  These are from Stuart’s stamp collection, but neither he nor I were born until a year or more later. We do remember these stamps, however, as they remained in use until 1967. On all issues of stamps she has never aged.  Sadly, this is not true in real life.  What a marvellous, inspirational lady who will be so sadly missed by all of us who loved her.

We have been watching the news most of the day.  It was great to see King Charles relating so well to the crowd outside Buckingham Palace and poignant to watch him and Camilla walking alone into the palace afterwards.

We also listened to tributes by present and former prime ministers in Parliament and the Leader of the Opposition.  They were very good and, at times, amusing - which lifted the mood a little.  

At 6pm we will be listening to the King’s speech to the nation.