London, (Parliament Politics Magazine)- By Lord Popat – The UK along with the Commonwealth mourn the death of Her Majesty the Queen. Her passing has sent shockwaves across the globe, and many have paid tributes to the Queen who was seen as the epitome of public service and duty. Her duty continued until the very end, appointing her fifteenth Prime Minister, Liz Truss just days before her passing.Â
Her Majesty had a special relationship with the Commonwealth and visited all member states except for Cameroon, and the three most recently joined member states, Rwanda, Togo and Gabon during her lifetime. At each visit she engaged with the local people and showing an interest in the affairs of their country. This resulted in her receiving a warm reception and being remembered by people across the world who have paid tribute to her.Â
Each Head of State that had the honour of meeting Her Majesty has fond memories of their visit and many have shared them over the last few days as we pay tribute to Her Majesty. They speak of the care and fondness she spoke of other countries but especially those from the Commonwealth. There is really no one who has travelled as much and has met so many Heads of State than the Queen. Her reign spanned 7 decades allowing her to see the transformation of countries and societies around the world. This has allowed her to gain an understanding and appreciation of the progress we have made and still need to make.Â
As a Ugandan Asian, I will always remember the warmth and interest she showed in the story of Ugandan Asians when I had the opportunity to meet her. This was a demonstration of her love for the Commonwealth but also her relationship with ethnic minorities. The UK has made great strides in ensuring people from all over the world are integrated and part of the society. It has become a community of communities, united in our shared values and patriotism.Â
Tributes have come from all sections of society regardless of background or faith. The Queen was a practising Christian but has always been open and welcoming to people of all faiths. She was committed to championing people and being inclusive, which was reflected in her acceptance of all people equally.Â
For more than 70 years, the Queen and the monarchy was the only thing constant through the good and the bad. There are few people in history who have been able to unite their country and people of all generations and backgrounds in such a way. At a time, when people and politics can feel very divided, she has managed to bring the nation together as they mourn her passing and remember the values which made her so special.Â
As Head of the Commonwealth, the Queen has had a special place in the hearts of many people across the world. An emblem of inclusivity, representing universal values of compassion and love. For those who came to this country under difficult circumstance, the passing of the Queen is ever more special, as we remember the role she played in welcoming us and reminding us how we are bound together by the universal threads of the Commonwealth.Â
As we take time over the coming days to pay our respects and remember Her Majesty the Queen. I am reminded that few in this world have earnt this level of respect, admiration, and love from so many. Her Majesty earnt that love, not because of all she has done, or for how long she has done it, but because of the way she did it and the way she has empowered us all. We celebrate her not just for representing our great nation, but for making it greater. We celebrate her not just for being our Queen, but for being a Queen for all her people.