Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Members of Parliament had the opportunity in the House of Commons to pay tribute to Her Majesty. On behalf of the people of Southend West, Anna Firth paid her tribute on Saturday 10th September. Owing to time constraints, Anna was not able to deliver the full speech she had prepared. This can be found below.
TRIBUTE TO HER LATE MAJESTY, QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Today, on behalf of the City of Southend and Leigh-on-Sea, the City of Southend and Leigh-on-Sea also wish to pay tribute to Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II – quite simply one of the most exceptional women the world has ever known. As one constituent put it to me, she was the best sequel we could ever have hoped for.
We have lived in a truly golden, Elizabethan age. The Queen has been our constant and our comfort, but also our absolute national pride and joy. From silver through golden, diamond to platinum, every decade of the Queen’s reign has been more magnificent than the last. “Brand GB” and The Queen are one and the same thing and I think it bears repetition that, while we have lost our queen, the world has lost THE QUEEN.
Like many, I sadly never had the opportunity to meet Her Majesty, but my father-in-law shared a lovely story with me. He was part of the battle management group for the first Gulf War and was hosting the Queen in High Wycombe, where they were in constant communication with the frontline. Walking down the desks, the Queen stopped to look over the shoulder of one of the operators to ask what he was doing, and she was amused to see written on the screen, “Sorry, Jim, got to go. Queen just arrived.” Just imagine his horror when the next message that appeared on his screen was, “P*** off. Pull the other one.” The Queen did not miss a beat. Chuckling away, she said, “Tell your friend Jim that I’m here and I wish him the very best of luck.”
Does that not perfectly sum up the Queen for us? There she was with our troops—even though at a distance—in their hour of need, and she always saw the fun and always saw the best in everything and everybody. She saw instantly that at the other end of the line was someone who nobody knew, but who was putting their life at risk for the rest of us, and her priority was to say thank you and wish him luck.
As well as 15 Prime Ministers, 14 US Presidents and 7 Popes, the Queen saw four Members of Parliament for Southend West. When she ascended the throne, Chips Channon was our local MP, and he described her as “regal and quite perfect.” How right he was. My predecessor Sir David was knighted by the Queen at Windsor castle, a day he described as the best of his life.
In 1999 the Queen, dressed in carnival-red, lit up our sea-front and delighted a crowd of thousands by walking the entire Golden Mile with her beloved Prince Philip beside her. With characteristic interest in sound finances, she also insisted on visiting our local Customs and Excise Office.
Earlier this year, the Queen granted Southend city status, for which we are eternally grateful.
Most of all today, however, I want to give thanks for the Queen’s values. We may never see her ilk again, but I believe that her values of courage, humility, gratitude and devotion will inspire us all forever. And luckily for us, forever has not yet ended.
I can think of no better way to end then to repeat the words that the Queen chose to say herself at the end of her coronation day in 1953, aged 27, in her penultimate devotional prayer.
“Lord, this day thou hast been gracious unto thy servant. Thou hast filled my cup with thy goodness to overflowing. With a humble spirit and a thankful heart, I commit myself to thy care and will lay me down in peace and take my rest.” Amen
On behalf of everyone in Southend West, rest now, Your Majesty, in eternal peace.
GOD SAVE THE KING.
