At the beginning of this term, I had the honour of being appointed Lord Lieutenant Caet for Buckinghamshire, a role that requires me to aid the Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Countess Howe, in her duties around the county. However, I was not meant to begin my duties until my official appointment on November 1, but this all changed upon the devastating news of the death of her late majesty the Queen. Upon hearing the news, it was not long before I was required to attend the proclamation of King Charles III in Aylesbury on Sunday 11 September.
This event, as sad as it was regarding the reasoning behind it, was an experience that will remain with me for the rest of my life. Taking part in a ceremony that last took place seventy years ago is incredible and I was so privileged to have been chosen for this. The following Saturday and Sunday were both taken up by the Queen’s memorials, with Saturday’s taking place in St Mary’s Church, Aylesbury, and the Sunday’s taking place in the Church of Christ the Cornerstone, Milton Keynes.
Both services were extremely moving, and it was touching to be a flower bearer in Saturday’s service and a member of the procession in Sunday’s service. Having been an admirer of the Queen’s leadership for so long, I felt that these services did justice to her astounding seventy-year reign. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for my new role as Lord Lieutenant Cadet.
Flt Sgt Max James, RAF Section, Stowe CCF