Much will be said about the end of an era with the departure from this life of Queen Elizabeth II, whose lifespan has fully overlapped nearly everybody alive today and for members of the British Commonwealth has been a constant. Even republicans will recognize the role she served as a diplomat and comforter in times of crisis.

Much will also said about what changes King Charles III will bring — little ones like Queens Service Medal becoming King’s Service Medal, and lawyers with QC (Queen’s Counsel) as initials become KCs — bigger ones like Queen’s Birthday becoming King’s Birthday, her portrait on the $20 note being replaced with Charles — and ones more fundamental. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 

It is with great sadness that I acknowledge the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

For most of us Queen Elizabeth has been our Sovereign all our lives. While we knew this day would come, the sense of loss is profound.

The Right Honourable Sir Sidney Holland was Prime Minister when Her Majesty ascended the Throne, followed by 15 New Zealand Prime Ministers during her reign, who I am sure benefitted from the vital role Queen Elizabeth played, her selfless duty, her wisdom, and her warmth.

We have arranged flowers to be laid at Buckingham Palace.

My thoughts are with King Charles III, the Royal Family, and all those across the Commonwealth who mourn Her Majesty’s death.

Sylvia Wood President | New Zealand National Party