Rest in Peace, Queen Elizabeth

Like so many, I've been shaken and really saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II. What an incredible monarch, and indeed person - in so many ways. Feel very lucky to have grown up with her as our Queen, a woman who consistently embodied such important values through the decades of change.

Over the past few days, it’s been special to hear recollections of those with personal stories - I loved the one where an American tourist to Scotland didn't recognize HM and asked if she'd ever met the Queen - to which she replied that she hadn't but her protection officer Dickie who was with her at the time, had. The tourist was so impressed he asked the Queen to take a photo of him with the protection officer!

My grandfather would have chuckled at that story and I think in a way her death brings back memories of many of our late grandparents - those who lived through the war and great change and came out the other side with not just a sense of duty and quiet dignity but also humour, kindness and general unflappable-ness. It feels like the end of an era.

Sharing a favourite photo of Her Majesty in 175 New Bond Street - back before I was born. It was probably the umpteenth visit she'd made that day but still she's smiling, interested and approachable as so many remember her. Rest in Peace Elizabeth the Great.