Liz

 I'm no monarchist. Several times I've felt uncomfortable for not standing when the National Anthem has been played. (For the record it isn't anything to do with wanting to live in a republic.)

But I feel genuine sadness today with the death of Her Majesty. 

You have to admire her dignity and the huge presence she's had in the communal life of the people of this country over many decades.

(It's a tiny little bit like when my mum died last year at the age of 96. You know it's going to happen sooner or later but that doesn't lessen the sense of loss.)