London, (Parliament Politics Magazine)- As the Member of Parliament for Bosworth, it is an honour to represent my community at the best of times, let alone at one of the saddest in living memory: the death of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
An MPs job is to try and reflect what is felt in our communities. For my tribute in Parliament, I chose to read a poem that was shared with me by several constituents and which seems to have struck a chord with not only the people who live in my area, but across the United Kingdom and, indeed, the world. After posting my reading of “Queen” by Joanne Boyle on social media, I was blown away to see it had been viewed more than 1,000,000 times in 12 hours. I want to share Joanne’s poem, along with my full tribute from the House of Commons, with you as I think it encapsulates what many of us feel about the Queen.
“Bosworth has an affinity and long history with the monarchy. We had the battle of Bosworth in August 1485, which saw the death of Richard III and the crowning of Henry VII. So my constituency has a palpable history with the monarchy, which is still there and proud today.
We have heard over and over the description of duty and I challenge any Member in this House to find a better person in British history who personifies duty. To me, she is remembered as Queen Elizabeth the Dutiful.
As Members of Parliament, we have the honour of representing and reflecting the opinions and feelings of our constituents. Something that has never happened before, in over 1,000 years of monarchy, is the ability to feel that immediately because of social media. I have been struck by a poem that has been sent to me by several constituents. I would like to read it for you, because it is visceral and encapsulates the feelings of our nation:
‘Philip came to me today, and said, ‘It’s time to go.
I looked at him and smiled, as I whispered, ‘Yes, I know.’
I then turned and looked behind me, and saw I was asleep.
All the family were around me, and then I could hear them weep.
I gently touched each shoulder, with Philip by my side.
Then I turned away and walked, with my angel husband as a guide.
Philip held my hand, and he guided me on the way,
To a world where Kings and Queens, are monarchs every day.
I was given a crown to wear, or a halo, known by some.
The difference is up here, they are worn by everyone.
I felt a sense of peace, my reign had seen its end.
70 years I had served my country, as the people’s dearest friend.
Thank you for the years, for all your time and love.
Now I am one of two again, in our palace up above.’
May Her late Majesty rest in peace. Long live the King.”
No words can reflect the enormous loss our nation, the Commonwealth and many across the world must now come to terms with. However, I’m sure you’ll join me in saying four words that would have brought Her Majesty immense pride: long live the King.
—END— Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, was elected to Parliament in 2019. He is a member of the Health and Social Care Select Committee as was recently appointed PPS to the Home Office Ministerial Team. Dr Evans became a GP in 2013 and worked across the Midlands before he became Bosworth’s representative.