The Queen’s death sees Britain both reflecting on the past and embracing the future

For a moment, time appears to flow two ways, writes Chris Stevenson

Queen Elizabeth II has been a constant presence in many lives (AP)

It is not often in Britain that there is a need to mark the end of an era the length of Queen Elizabeth II’s time upon the throne – or the start of the reign of King Charles III that follows.

For a moment, time appears to flow two ways, with the nation looking back at the 70 years of service the Queen has given and simultaneously ahead at the years that are to come.

Take, for example, two of the pieces we have published today. One by a founder of The Independent, Andreas Whittam Smith, reflecting on the course of the Queen’s reign during seven decades, and the other – authored by David Reynolds – on what might come next for the post-Elizabethan monarchy.

The crowds gathering outside Buckingham Palace and those who have stood on the side of the road while the Queen’s coffin travelled from Balmoral to Edinburgh show the strength of feeling for many. Queen Elizabeth II has been a constant presence in many lives, even if most of us will have only seen her on the television or heard her annual Christmas message.

As has been pointed out, you will need to be in your seventies (at least) to remember the last coronation in 1953. That level of longevity also means substantial change – the fact that the Queen talked with (and no doubt offered advice to) more than a dozen prime ministers during her reign is a stark indication of that.

There has been much social change in the same period, including the demise of empire and the rise of anti-colonial movements, and that needs to be reflected as well. My colleague Nadine White has written about the future of the Commonwealth and its members, now that Charles III has become its head. That conversation is one of many that is sure to continue for some time.

As Britain moves towards the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and then beyond, this new era for the UK takes shape and there will be more changes. As ever, we would always appreciate hearing your views on the matter.

Yours,

Chris Stevenson

Premium editor