In the week since the death of Her Late Majesty, I have been honoured to perform duties on behalf of my constituents, in Westminster and in Truro & Falmouth, to both commemorate the late Queen and to welcome our new sovereign, King Charles III.
Last Friday lunchtime, I laid flowers on the green at Truro
Cathedral, alongside Cornwall Council’s Chair, Pauline Giles and its Leader,
Linda Taylor. In the evening I returned to attend a very moving Evensong and to
sign the Book of Condolence.
On Sunday, I returned again, to attend the proclamation of
the new King. This is an ancient
ceremony and wonderful to be a part of.
In an age of 24-hour news and social media, the proclamation felt like a
window onto times gone by, where county towns and villages would have heard the
news for the first time at the proclamation, as well as confirmed their loyalty
to the new monarch, by shouting “God Save the King!”. Truro’s proclamation was read first in
English, then in Cornish.
Straight after the Truro proclamation I was back to
Westminster. On Monday morning in
Westminster Hall Members from the House of Lords and the Commons welcomed the
new King and Queen Consort. Addresses
were read by Speakers of both Houses and a reply made by the King. Westminster Hall is a building that has
captured my imagination since I first visited it as a teenager. The silence of this ancient hall, broken only
boots of the King’s Guard or buglers was incredibly atmospheric. We then had the honour of being the first
audience to sign the National Anthem in the King’s presence and he appeared
genuinely moved.
On Tuesday I stole a couple of hours and walked through St
James’ Park towards Buckingham Palace and on to the garden of flowers in Green
Park. I was able to smell the fragrance
from the tributes before I could see them.
Reading cards and tributes from young and old and from all over the UK
and the world was quite something. My
faith in the goodness and kindness of people was reinforced by this
experience. Away from the usual
divisions that I sometimes face as part of this role, this, I felt, was a truer
representation of the hearts of people.
On Wednesday I was able to sign a book of condolence on
behalf of my constituents in the House of Commons Library. As well as sending our heartfelt condolences
I welcomed Their Majesties. I also
expressed our gratitude for their hard work over many years as our Duke and
Duchess. As many of you will have seen,
Wednesday was also the day Westminster Hall received Her Late Majesty to lie in
state. I was honoured to be the first
Member of Parliament to enter the hall, once allowed, to pay the respects of my
constituents to the Queen. Many
constituents are unable to make the journey to London and it was a genuine
privilege to be able to convey their respects.
The gloriously bright and vivid purple, red and gold is a sight that
will stay with me forever.
Back in Cornwall I have signed the book of condolence in
Falmouth and there are further services to attend ahead of Her Late Majesty’s
funeral, which is a National Day of Mourning. Since the Queen’s Death the
Palace of Westminster has been in formal mourning and we are unable to conduct
any meetings or business. The House is
expected to resume its business on Wednesday 21st September.
However, we are still on hand here in the constituency to
answer any queries that you may have please get in touch with me by email at
Cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk , or by telephone on 01872 229698. My
regular constituency advice surgeries are held in a covid-safe environment at
my office, so please do get in touch should you wish to meet me about any
matters that I can be of assistance with.
