It is difficult to put into words the extraordinary events that have taken place over the last week.

The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a moment many of us hoped would never come and it has been truly humbling to see the outpouring of sorrow across the country following her passing.

It is though hardly surprising because she has been a constant in our lives for so long and was held in such affection by so many people. Seventy years on the throne is an incredible act of service and dedication.

Many members of the public who have been interviewed by the media over the last few days have described her as the nation’s grandmother. It is a lovely and fitting description of one who was so fondly thought of.

To see so many thousands of people lining the streets in Scotland and London paying tribute to her has been an amazing sight.

The last time I saw Her Majesty was in happier times. It was with my family on June 3, 2012 as we watched the Diamond Jubilee procession on the Thames. London was packed for the celebrations and our children were waving their flags at the Royal Barge as The Queen passed by. You probably have your own personal memory or story related to Her Majesty as she touched so many people’s lives.

As I write, preparations are being finalised for Her Majesty’s state funeral before she is finally laid to rest on Monday.

We send our thoughts and prayers to her family as Swindon stands ready to serve the new King.

Although it is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, we now have to look forward to the reign of our new Sovereign.

I was privileged to be able to attend the local Proclamation ceremony at the Civic Offices last Sunday with the Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Abdul Amin, and Vice Lord-lieutenant of Wiltshire, William Wyldbore-Smith, as we formally announced the beginning of the new King’s reign.

I was very proud to be part of such an historic tradition and the singing of the national anthem to honour King Charles III and the ‘Three cheers for the King’ that followed was hugely uplifting during this sad time.

Swindon Brass and The Royal Wessex Yeomanry provided great support at the ceremony on the day.

Thank you also to everyone who has taken the time to write heartfelt messages in the many books of condolences that have been placed in locations across the Borough. These will be collected after Her Majesty’s funeral and archived for future generations as a record of this important part of our history.

There is still time for you to write your own tributes. Further information about where the books of condolences have been placed, where you can lay floral tributes and details of tomorrow’s memorial service at Christ Church in Old Town are available via the main page of our website.

May Her Majesty rest in peace.