The Archbishop of York has spoken of the ‘amazing’ Queen’s warmth, humour and faithfulness, as he prepares to take part in her funeral service today (Monday).
The Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell said the last ten days, following the death of the Queen, have “brought us together as a nation.
“And that seems to me to have been such a great gift, perhaps the Queen’s last great gift to us.
“There’s been so much that’s happened in our nation, and indeed, in our world in recent years, that that have challenged our unity, particularly as a United Kingdom, but in other ways as well. And what I’ve seen and rejoiced in in the past 10 days is us coming together.
“People who, ten days ago didn’t necessarily think of themselves as much of a royalist, have been surprised by their deep feelings.”
Speaking to the Today programme on BBC Radio Four, the Archbishop said he had spent some time watching the queues of people waiting to see the Queen lying in state at Westminster Hall.
This, he said, was “like a hidden stream of goodness, of decency, of godliness, of steadfastness, which has surfaced in this time.
“And that I think, could be the Queen’s legacy, that we rediscover as a nation our togetherness, we rediscover warmth and good humour and perspective and godliness.”
He recalled being invited with other bishops to Sandringham to spend time with the Queen.
“It was wonderful to be part of that – slightly terrifying as well when you go the first time. But she was very good at putting people at their ease.”
There were informal moments during his visit.
“We did a jigsaw, we had a barbecue in the middle of January, outside. The Duke of Edinburgh was cooking outside.
“I can’t pretend I knew her well, but behind the scenes when I spoke to her, what I found was a warmth and a good humour and a faithfulness.
“And I think it was those things which enabled her to sustain herself. I mean, isn’t it amazing? Only two days before she died, she was receiving a new prime minister. So it was a life of duty and service right to the end.”
In the funeral service today, the Archbishop of York will read these words:
We give thanks to God for Queen Elizabeth’s loyalty to the faith she inherited through her baptism and confirmation, and affirmed at her coronation; for her unswerving devotion to the Gospel; and for her steadfast service as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
Lord, we beseech thee to keep thy household the Church in continual godliness; that through thy protection she may be free from all adversities, and devoutly given to serve thee in all good works, to the glory of thy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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