Local resident Sue Marooney who was invited to attend the Queen’s funeral shares with us here her reflections from an incredible day:
“Our Queen, the only monarch most of us have known, greatly respected and admired the world over. We knew she couldn’t live for ever but like many I was shocked and saddened when news of her death came. I was astounded two days later to receive a call that I had been invited to attend the Queens State Funeral. Such a privilege and great honour for an everyday person.
I couldn’t sleep the night before, was up at 4am and caught the 5.27am train from Hassocks. There was a lovely atmosphere on the train with others making the journey to pay their respects. A quiet and reflective walk from Victoria station, security everywhere but a hushed atmosphere.
I met some amazing, inspiring individuals through the day. As the queue approached the Abbey
in all its splendour, history in the making, the atmosphere of sadness at the end of an era combined with celebration of a understated individual who was also a global icon, who had always put country, duty and others ahead of herself pervaded.
I was amazed to be seated right by the Great West Door so saw everyone come in and leave. The pageantry second to none, Britain at its best as world leaders, royalty, heads of state, famous individuals, the military and people like me representing the masses came together to give thanks and pay our respects to Queen Elizabeth.
The pride exuded from the armed forces serving and retired, respect and wanting to do the best for their Commander in Chief shone out. The whole time I couldn’t quite believe the privilege extended to me. The atmosphere was incredible, organisation exceptional and the service superb, blending the personal with being a global figure. The Royal family, still a family grieving, so brave to have millions observing your grief and sadness responded as the Queen had taught them and how proud she would have been of them.
Our country really came together, let us hope looking for the best in others as the Queen always did, it continues.”
Sue Marooney MBE