Remembering Queen Elizabeth II

“Queen Elizabeth II was a life well lived.” The words of her son, the now King Charles III, could not be more apt. Her Majesty served as sovereign for over 70 years, delivered 69 Christmas messages, passed 4,000 acts of parliament, patronized over 600 charities, reigning through 15 prime ministers of the United Kingdom while serving as head of 54 countries in the Commonwealth of Nations.

The Queen was the living embodiment of the British constitution, providing stability and protecting the liberty of her subjects. The monarch plays an important role in the check and balances of civil society in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Amongst her many titles, Queen Elizabeth was Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

QEII took all of her titles and roles seriously, and that is made obvious by her position in the Church. Elizabeth II famously wrote her own Christmas speeches, and more often than not she would make explicit mention of Jesus Christ, once saying, “For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ's words and example.” Even the queen is accountable to God.

The story of the Good Samaritan featured in the Queen’s speeches on at least four occasions, providing the themes of service and duty to our neighbor that marked her life, “Go and do thou likewise.” Forgiveness often made an occurrence, too, after all the heartache she still maintained, “Harry, Meghan, and the children will always be much loved family.”

In 1952 when King George VI died, before Elizabeth’s official coronation, she asked us, “Pray for me … that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promise I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.” It is safe to say that our collective prayers were answered, as it is clear that the queen served Him and us to her final days, welcoming the new prime minister, Liz Truss, only two days before her death, despite the pain and discomfort she must have been in. This is a woman who understood sacrifice for the greater good. Christianity is a faith rooted in sacrifice.

Upon the announcement of her death, a rainbow appeared at Windsor Castle and a double rainbow shone over Buckingham Palace. Now, I am not superstitious, but as a Christian, I do not believe in coincidences either, certainly not to this degree. The rainbow—before it was hijacked by a political movement—was a sign of God’s covenant with man. I like to think the rainbows appeared on that day, at that very moment, as a sign from God. Almost as if he was telling us in his own way, “It’s alright, guys, I’ve got her.” Yet again our prayers were answered, God really did save the queen.

As a nation, as a commonwealth, we are in mourning, and it is right to grieve the loss of a loved one. Jesus himself wept at the grave of Lazarus. But as Christians, we must remind ourselves that following death is Hope. Hope of eternal life, resurrection through Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. For Jesus told us, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.” And the queen recognized that, saying, “For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace … is an inspiration and an anchor in my life.”

It must be noted how fitting it is that God took Queen Elizabeth II on the day many Christians worldwide celebrate the birth of Christ’s mother, Mary. The Supreme Governor of the Church of England would surely have noted the shared date.

King Charles III used his first Kings’ Speech to quote John Taverner’s Song for Athena, “May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” Here in Britain, I think we all echo that sentiment.

♰ Rest eternal grant unto her, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon her. May Queen Elizabeth II rest in peace.

The queen is dead. Long live the king.