Â鶹Éç

Good morning. An iconic photograph captures this day seventy years ago, when a twenty-five-year-old woman stepped off a plane at London airport to be greeted by a group of elderly men on the tarmac led by Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The princess had already become Queen Elizabeth following the death of her father George VI. The photograph is a reminder of what a challenging time it was for the country and indeed for her.

Having been told of the death of my own father soon after travelling overseas, I have a small insight into what that journey back from Kenya might have been like. However, there was so much more that the Queen had to face. Her own personal shock and grief at losing a father who was so close to her was set within a nation’s shock and grief. George VI was widely respected, having been the symbol of the nation’s resistance by staying in London -through the Blitz. His death at the age of 56 was traumatic to a country still recovering from war and going through yet another financial crisis. The Queen arrived back to three days of national mourning, and with Churchill worried, recorded by his private secretary as saying ‘she was only a child’.

But in these first few days, there were clear indications of what would sustain her in 70 years of public life. Her husband by her side, her Christian faith and her clear sense of vocation to serve ‘with all my heart’ - something that she reaffirmed yesterday in her Accession Day message, alongside her wish about Camilla’s future role.

Serving with all my heart is an interesting phrase. The Judaeo-Christian tradition has had a mixed relationship with structures of monarchy, recounting at great length in the Old Testament the dangers and abuses of power of those anointed to lead. Yet those who are praised are not those primarily who bring economic and military achievements but those who serve God and all the people with humility and good character. One of Israel’s greatest kings David is commended by the Psalmist not only for leading with skilful hands but also with ‘integrity of heart’ (Ps 78.72). For Christians this is fully seen in the Kingship of Jesus who came not to be served but to serve.

There are many people that I admire for their achievements whether in politics, science, business, the arts, sport or religion. But those who have most shaped me are those whose integrity of heart has been shown by honesty, humility, and service of others – either in times of great joy and celebration or in times of stress and grief.

Show less