a message from our Patron

It is with a very heavy heart that we learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – the world’s greatest queen.

As well as being the longest reigning British Monarch – Her Majesty was also the longest reigning female monarch in world history.

In 1947 at the age of just 21 the young Princes Elizabeth promised to dedicate her life – “be it long or short” to the service of Her people. How she lived up to that promise every day of her long life over the last 70-plus years. A life of service, devotion and duty as head of a nation and the Commonwealth were witnessed across the globe during her many visits both around the UK and overseas and it is fair to say that she was loved and revered by all.

Hertfordshire was well known to Her Majesty as her Mother’s family live in the north of the county and she had many fond memories of her time spent in Hertfordshire.

She was a regular visitor to the county from the beginning of her reign-the last visits being in 2016 to Berkhamsted School- of which she was Patron-where thousands of local people turned out to welcome their Queen.

I had the honour and privilege to meet The Queen on several occasions and on each she made me laugh with her wicked sense of humour at the same time as her sharp mind focused on the most poignant issues of the day.

Nearly 85% of the British population have only ever known one monarch in their lives and what a privilege it has been to be able to have called this great lady “Our Queen”.
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My thoughts and sincerest condolences go to the Royal Family and may Our Queen rest in eternal peace. 
Robert Voss CBE CStJ
Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire