For the first time since most of us can remember, we’ll turn on the TV for the big Christmas Day speech and her majesty Queen Elizabeth II won’t be with us. Someone else will be speaking.
Her son.
Watching his speech will become the new Christmas Day tradition.
And in that moment, many of us may well say a quick heartfelt prayer of thanks for her late majesty’s incredible life and example. But then we’ll get on with our celebrations – and enjoy hearing what our new King has to say.
In my home city of York, a magnificent statue has been erected in tribute to her late majesty.
I was privileged to stand with King Charles as he unveiled the monument outside York Minster on a rainy afternoon last month.
He spoke tenderly about his beloved mother and the gift and legacy she leaves behind.
“She was always vigilant for the welfare of her people,” the King told the crowd.
“She was a constant example of the duty and care for others, and for our community, which is the calling and the duty we all share.”
I then offered a prayer of blessing over the statue – grateful for the copious amounts of “holy water” being supplied by the heavens as I spoke. Though I’m not sure the crowd were as grateful.
I have been reflecting on the King’s words.
This story is from the December 18, 2022 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 18, 2022 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Armchair viewers' blank afternoon
TEMPERATURES below freezing wiped out both of the ITV fixtures yesterday leaving viewers without any live racing to watch.
Kyrgios slams Sinner and will not be silenced
NICK KYRGIOS has warned he is not going “to shut up” about Italian hero Jannik Sinner’s failed drug tests in the build-up to the Australian Open.
Will power for Sarries
TOM WILLIS surged over for two tries to give England boss Steve Borthwick another compelling reminder that his Test debut is overdue.
NOW HAAL'S WELL AGAIN AT ETIHAD
THE crisis is officially over and normal service has resumed.
NWANERI ONLY HIGH SPOT FOR GUNNERS
Lacklustre draw deals title hopes fresh blow
Stroke victim meets cops who saved her
A WOMAN who had a cardiac arrest and stroke while driving and miraculously survived has been reunited with the officers who saved her life.
Mum's cash crisis after cancer bills
A MOTHER-of-three whose mouth cancer was missed due to Covid restrictions is now facing eviction after failing to pay bills during her two years of treatment and rehabilitation.
100 'jump dock' at court despite £7m safety drive
MORE than 100 prisoners have escaped custody by jumping out of the dock during the last seven years - despite a government-funded scheme to make courts more secure.
We must teach pupils why Britain is 'Great'
ALMOST from the moment the first child crossed the threshold and entered a classroom, governments, dictators and other political leaders have sought to use education as a means of indoctrination and controlling the population.
Half a billion in pensions to dead people
BUNGLING civil servants overpaid £511.8 million in state pensions and pension credits to dead recipients, and failed to claw back £256.8m of it over the past five years.
