New Zealand Woman’s Weekly Issue 40, 2022

It was a chance for a nation to say goodbye and thank you to a woman whose life was devoted to steadfast service. Britain put on what has been described as the “send-off of the century” to farewell Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on September 19. Her funeral showcased the very best of British pomp and ceremony in honour of a beloved monarch, but it was also a loving tribute to an adored mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A newly released photo taken to mark the Queen’s 70th jubilee in June shows the woman behind the crown – a spritely 96-year-old with sparkling blue eyes and warm smile. One well-wisher who camped out for several days to be in prime position for the funeral said, “Being here is the least we can do. We…

On September 19, billions united around the world, gathering either in person or around screens, to say farewell to our remarkable Queen. It was a momentous day that played out perfectly, thanks to the precision of planning, and the sentiment felt was truly fitting for a woman who had served for more than 70 years as our Monarch. But, of course, as much of a loss that we may feel, it’s much more so for her family. Putting any troubles aside, young and old, children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren Prince George and Princess Charlotte banded together for their mum, granny and gan gan. There were many special moments of reassuring gestures toward each other throughout the day. In a letter to the former Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, following the passing…

It was a fitting final farewell to a woman who dedicated her life to duty. The state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II mixed sadness and sorrow, with spectacle and splendour, as it mourned her passing and marked her long life of selfless service. But in among the pomp and pageantry were poignant moments that hinted at the personality of a woman who wasn’t born to be monarch, but accepted her fate with dignity and grace, and got on with the job for an incredible 70 years. One of the most heartrending images occurred as the hearse bearing the Queen’s coffin slowly made its way along the Long Walk, the stretch of road leading to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Following the state funeral at Westminster Abbey in London, the monarch was…

Most people mourning a loved one take time out to come to terms with their loss and prepare for life without that special person. But our new monarch, King Charles III did not have the luxury of private time to grieve for his “darling mama” in the days between the death of the Queen and her funeral. It was up to him to lead the United Kingdom in mourning at the same time as taking on an all-consuming new role, and it was a sad and challenging task he tackled with great dignity and grace. In the 11 days following Her Majesty’s passing at Balmoral Castle, her eldest son travelled more than 3000km around England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, carrying out more than 30 engagements and meeting hundreds of people, from heads…

King Charles III “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty the Queen, is a moment of great sadness for me and all members of my family… During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.” Prince William “While I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of the Queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. My wife has had 20 years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives. “She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during…

Around 2000 people were invited to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey on September 19 – and among them were a select group of New Zealanders. In addition to Aotearoa’s six official representatives, including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Governor-General Cindy Kiro, and five New Zealanders who have been granted royal honours, 10 other Kiwis from many walks of life were chosen to represent the nation at the service. From New York, where she headed for the UN General Assembly following the funeral, Jacinda told the Weekly, “It was an honour to be able to represent New Zealand in London. The late Queen and her family have been here for us during some of New Zealand’s toughest times. It was only right we show Her Majesty’s family how much she…