London, (Parliament Politics Magazine)- Baroness Ros Altmann, how does one pay adequate tribute to an icon as exceptional as our late Queen Elizabeth II. So much has already been said, but words seem insufficient at such a time.
We have lost our much-loved, hugely-respected Queen, the only monarch most of us have ever known. She has always been there for the country, especially at times of turmoil, with encouraging words or personal reflections. The thought of her no longer being part of our national life is unsettling. Even Christmas will not be the same without her Speech.
I do feel a personal sense of loss, even though I was not close to her in the way others were. I did have the honour of engaging with her in the 1980s, in connection with the role of women in business, when I worked in the City. She was hugely supportive of increasing the number of female corporate leaders, particularly in banking and finance, hosting receptions specifically for women. It was really encouraging to have our Queen’s support and feel her interest in how young mothers could combine raising a family with a successful career.
In more recent years, when I was championing older workers, she was a tremendous role model highlighting the value of later life working and the importance of combatting ageism, so that older citizens remain a valued part of national life. She was the most shining example of the important contributions that people at later ages can make. Even into her nineties, she was energetic, productive, fully engaged with her work and, as long as her health allowed, keen to keep active. Indeed, I had really hoped that Her Majesty would go on and on, perhaps even send herself a telegram. But it was not to be.
The sheer number of people who have been queuing for hours, come rain or shine, just to pay respect to Her Majesty lying in State is a testament to the affection in which she is held. The outpouring of national grief, floral tributes all over the country, blanket coverage of her life and endless tributes are a vivid demonstration of just how important she was to our country.
She dedicated her life with selfless devotion, dignity and fortitude to the service of all the countries in her realm and her subjects. She so often must have sacrificed her own needs to carry out her duties. She was admired and indeed loved throughout the world and millions will remember her visiting other parts of her Commonwealth.
Queen Elizabeth had a lively sense of mischief and a great sense of humour, but she was a model of courtesy, respectful of all the different elements of civil society. She was always calm and had the gift of making everyone feel as if she was speaking directly to them, even managing to share her thoughts and feelings with the country in a manner which engendered understanding and empathy.
I feel so fortunate to have grown up during her reign, with her strength, wisdom and courage guiding us in the modern world, adapting to modernisation and change. It is difficult to imagine how the monarchy would have survived without her at the top, imbued with her values of honesty, decency and exemplifying the importance of tradition in public life too. When there have been stormy times for the country, she used her position to help steady the ship, while remaining hopeful and positive for the future. Her constitutional position was much envied in other countries.
She will be hugely missed, but leaves a legacy of love and happy memories. Of course, however sad it is for us that she has gone, it must be even more so for her family. My heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers are with them all at this time.
The nation mourns our wonderful monarch, may she rest in ever-lasting peace reunited with her beloved husband and parents once more. And I wish all the best to our new King Charles III as he takes over from her reign in the years to come.
Baroness (Ros) Altmann, CBE