“I deeply mourn the passing of Her Majesty the Queen who, since ascending the throne, dedicated her life unstintingly in service to our nation and Commonwealth.  Her workload was immense as must be our gratitude to her for her service.

“She was a frequent visitor to the Lichfield constituency coming to the Cathedral and to the National Memorial Arboretum on a number of occasions and her smile and charm was evident to us all.  On one occasion, she arrived at Lichfield City station by Royal Train having slept overnight on the train at Barton; then after greeting the official receiving line of men, she spotted the wives and others standing in a corner.  Despite being ushered out, she made a beeline across to the women and, beaming, she insisted on chatting and shaking hands with them too.

“The Queen was ever charming, knowledgeable, and astute: never putting a political foot wrong.  As Head of State she knew fifteen Prime Ministers since Churchill and most heads of State of every foreign country including every Prime Minister or President of the Commonwealth.  She held the Commonwealth together.  She set the highest standard for our King and family.

“We mourn her passing as we leave the Elizabethan age and I offer my deepest condolences to her family and friends.  God Save the King.”

Michael Fabricant