Rob Butler MP – October 2022

The death of Her late Majesty The Queen has profoundly touched us all. Although she was 96 years old, when that desperately sad moment came it was still a shock, because it had almost felt that she would always be there. It was a privilege to be able to pay tribute to the Queen in the House of Commons on behalf of all my constituents. As I said in Parliament, her tireless dedication and unwavering service are unparalleled and will never be forgotten.

Many MPs had been fortunate to meet the Queen, and they had wonderful stories to tell, frequently referring to her sense of humour and the twinkle in her eye. My own memories of Her Majesty are, I suspect, similar to those of the vast majority of the public: I never met her, yet she was somehow very much in our lives. I remember making a scrapbook on the Royal Family for a Cub Scout badge, a village tea party for the silver jubilee, seeing the Queen on the royal barge during the diamond jubilee flotilla. They are snatched glimpses and modest memories, yet there is still an incredible sense of sorrow that she is gone.

The Queen visited the Aylesbury area several times during her 70 years on the throne: in 1962 as part of a celebration of the 10th anniversary of her accession, in 1969 to open Stoke Mandeville stadium, and then in 2002 to mark her golden jubilee. The affection that we felt for her in Buckinghamshire was vividly demonstrated just a few months ago during the platinum jubilee celebrations – it was a pleasure to join Wendover residents for your picnic at Witchell Meadow when so many came together, from the youngest child to the most senior citizen, to demonstrate gratitude and appreciation for the commitment and duty shown throughout the Queen’s incredible reign.

The death of the Queen was followed by the accession of His Majesty Charles III as our new King and I was very pleased to attend the reading of the Proclamation of the Accession in Wendover. His Majesty’s first address to his people set out his determination to follow his mother’s example of lifelong service, committing to endeavour to serve with loyalty, respect and love. It was a heartfelt and sincere message, and I am sure you join me in wishing him every strength in fulfilling his heavy responsibilities.
God save the King.