The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother marks an end of an epoch. I was shocked and saddened by the news of her death even though she was of an age that many of us cannot expect to reach. But she represented the hopes and aspirations of the British people over the 20th Century: through both peace and through war. And she did so with a warmth and grace that transcended the generations. My heart now goes out to her daughter, the Queen, and her grandchildren who must not only bear the great burden of grief, but also the responsibility of great office of State. I hope that at this time of national mourning we will form a common bond between us all; strengthen us as a nation; and cement the ties between our monarchy and her subjects.