“The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II marks the end of a remarkable life from a remarkable monarch – the only one that many of us have ever known. The country she leaves behind is one radically transformed from the one she inherited 70 years ago. She was a constant, and for many, reassuring presence throughout that time, a beacon of stability in an often-turbulent world.
In 2008, I had the honour of serving as Lord Mayor of Liverpool, acting as the city’s first citizen during our illustrious year as European Capital of Culture. My first official duty was to welcome the Queen to Liverpool. I spent several hours in her company and sat behind her at a lunch in St George’s Hall. It is an occasion that I look back on fondly.
That day, I saw a side of her that very few people get the chance to see. It’s safe to say that she was a fan of the Scouse sense of humour as, at times, she was in fits of laughter – so much so that she had to retrieve a handkerchief from her handbag to dab away the tears rolling down her face.
Hers was a life epitomised by duty, service and quiet dignity. My thoughts are with her loved ones. May she rest in peace.”
Steve Rotheram
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region
