NJPN E-Bulletin 18^th September 2022

A Statement from The Princess Royal

I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest Mother’s life. It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys. Witnessing the love and respect shown by so many on these journeys has been both humbling and uplifting.

We all share unique memories. I offer my thanks to each and every one who share our sense of loss. We may have been reminded how much of her presence and contribution to our national identity we took for granted.

I am also so grateful for the support and understanding offered to my dear brother Charles as he accepts the additional responsibilities of The Monarch.

To my mother, The Queen, thank you.

Dear Friends,

A rather different way to start this week’s e-bulletin, and one that will not please all of you, nevertheless it is an historic moment in time that I feel we need to mark. As mentioned around the time of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, whether you are a supporter of the Monarchy or not, the fact that she reigned for over 70 years, and was still working two days before her death, at the age of 96, is still something to marvel at. And all this in the public eye.

Having said that, as our Cleaner at work said – ‘it is much easier to keep going  if you have no financial worries, and you have someone else to pick up after you and your family.’
I might add that our Cleaner is a great supporter of the monarchy, and was even trying to persuade me to go and join The Queue, so is not at all bothered by the life of privilege that the Royal Family have.

Talking of The Queue, and everything that has happened over the past week, what a great sense of togetherness it has brought to a very fragmented nation. Even if you are not attending in person, you have probably read about it, followed it on the news, and marvelled at it! 

The poignant few words from the Princess Royal, who has been described as the most hard-working of all of the royals, brought it home to me that not only had we lost our Monarch, but that a family had lost their Mum and Grandma etc. The whole Royal Family are having to hold back their grief in the goldfish bowl that is their life. No wonder there are rifts.

I was planning to do a Royal Section, but there are just so many articles. Literally everyone has produced a piece of writing – including every company and shop that I have ever bought from. I have been inundated with words about the Queen, as I am sure all of you have too, so my verbal Royal tribute will end here. May she rest in peace.

Obviously, the Queen’s passing rather over-shadowed our new Prime Minister taking Office. I have no good words to say, just incredulity at some of her Cabinet choices (a climate-denier as Energy Secretary – seriously??). More words will be said on the climate side of things below, and we have a climate-related Action of the Week. As someone said recently – ‘nothing else matters.’

The next e-bulletin will be out in around a fortnight, 

God bless
Sharon

NJPN E-Bulletin 18th September 2022