A Visit and the Funeral

This week has been a run up to the Queen’s funeral, but it hasn’t been all about the Queen at Casa Anderson! In fact the main event of our week was Margaret’s visit from America. It was absolutely lovely to see her, and the first night of her visit coincided with Cat spending the night on her way to Rosa’s wedding, so we all had a pleasant chat. The next morning Margaret and I went for a swim and a spa at David Lloyd; we had a proper chat about everything under the sun since we haven’t seen each other since last year. Later we went out for a walk in the west end with James and the three of us had dinner at Brel in Ashton Lane and then churros at Loop and Scoop on Great Western Road. It was an excellent evening. 

In the morning Margaret and I went for a walk around Cambuslang, revisiting many old familiar places from our childhood including Margaret’s former home in Brownside Road, and then had a coffee at Costa. I was very sad to say goodbye to her but it was a really lovely visit.

Last night we had a pleasant dinner with Marjory and Forrest at Luciano’s in Burnside, and then set off northwards to Ullapool at about half past eight. The reason for this was that we were keen to be in Ullapool when the royal funeral commenced this morning. The cats were amazed to be loaded into the car, they had not anticipated an evening journey. The roads were nice and quiet and we made good time. 

So it was rather nice to wake up in the morning with the journey behind us. It was a historic occasion; the first State funeral since that of Winston Churchill in 1965 (which I definitely remember seeing on our black and white television even though I was only two years old!) We had the television on for the funeral coverage all day but although we watched the services at Westminster Abbey and St George’s Chapel at Windsor, I didn’t watch the whole procession going through the countryside to Windsor Castle. It was still a long time to watch television though, and when it was over James and I went for a refreshing walk around the village before dinner time. 

The images which will stay with me from today:

The sailors pulling the coffin along on its gun carriage.

The Queen’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren walking along behind her coffin and attending the service.

So many world leaders turning out to pat their respects to our Queen; Biden, Macron, Trudeau, Ardern and many more. 

The eight young men of 1st Battalion of the Grenadier Guards doing a stalwart job of carrying the heavy lead-lined coffin up and down the steps at Westminster and Windsor.

Emma the pony and two of her beloved corgis being brought out as the cortège arrived at Windsor.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte being so very well-behaved at St George’s Chapel. 

And the piper’s lament fading into the distance at the end of the service. Rest in Peace.