HM The Queen was the personification of Britain.

Local writer Riyad Hacib today writes in the Havering Daily about the incredible legacy of HM the Queen.

Before you set your gaze upon these words throughout this article. I must politely ask, that you abandon (with all due respect) any conspiracy theories, political views, and the media whirlwind the monarchy has attracted over the last few years. So, brew up your tea and tighten your patriotic belt for this article will reflect on her majesty’s legacy and the monarchy itself. 

Queen Elizabeth II was not only a person but she in herself,represents a heritage. A truly unique British identity. In the west we all share a similar identity; democracies, capitalism and how to complain. However, what makes the UK a green leaf among brown ones was Queen Elizabeth II. When we lay our eyes upon her, we are not only seeing her but our country’s history that courses through her veins. Blood, sweat and tears, in all its ways were used to build this nation and when those veins cease to beat, it’s a reminder of what gives our nation, Britain, a heart.

The monarchy in England is relatively laid back for, other than Charles II we have never had ‘over-the-top’ or militarised Kings (or Queen) like that Louis XV or an Emperor like Napoleon. Our monarchy reflects British culture like a mirror since she always was respectful, modest, mannerly, and we as Brits shun flamboyancy and praise good humour. Elizabeth herself was a personification of Britain and I could always remember her involvement in the 2012 Olympics skit with Daniel Craig’s James Bond when it was jokingly hinted she dived out of the helicopter into the opening ceremony.   

Now, its very hard as a Brit to assume themselves as tourists in a country they are tied to but, if one was there to witness the mass tourists and Brits who gathered to show commemoration, one would observe the unity felt within London in that moment, furthermore, an appreciation for a history that some know nothing about! Alas! For that reason, I would argue the masses coming together was not for Elizabeth herself but a recognition of something deeply beautiful about the history and respect we as a nation give to a lineage in a seemingly un-patriotic time. Essentially, a blast from the past,a manifestation of what those before must have felt about their monarchies, a revival of patriotism. Now we will find out if it was simply a flash in the pan.

RIP Queen Elizabeth II-our longest serving monarch.