Dear Editor,

At about 12:35 pm on Thursday, September 8, 2022 Emily Shields paused during the feature X and Y on RJR’s Hotline to make an important announcement. A tinge of sadness suddenly came over me. I just knew what was coming. It had to do with news from Balmoral. I had spoken twice to my wife about my fears that morning.

It’s a moment that Emily Shields will never forget.

The tears welled up in my eyes. Oh yes, I’m the eternal romantic and I have nothing against the royal family, even though I’m in favour of Jamaica becoming a republic.

Of course, I cannot remember her visit in 1953 when I think she passed along Brunswick Street in Spanish Town as citizens lined the street. However, I do remember being on parade in 1966 in the Georgian square in Spanish Town. That was a proud moment for a 14-year-old as he took part in the royal salute. I also remember rehearsing for her birthday parade that same year at Up Park Camp. For some reason I wasn’t able to participate. She made a total of six visits to Jamaica, the others being in 1975, 1983, 1994, and 2002.

I don’t think I’ve felt this way since I stood at the Old Harbour railway station on September 2, 1969 and news came over a transistor radio that Norman Washington Manley had passed.

Seventy years as queen! The longest-serving British monarch. She welcomed 15 British prime ministers: from Churchill to Truss. We now have a king — King Charles III — the last Charles having reigned in the 17th century.

She was the only the queen I knew. She was constitutionally our queen, and I looked forward to listening to her Christmas messages, filled with faith and hope.

My deepest condolence to her family and the people of the entire British Commonwealth of Nations.

Norman W M Thompson

norms74160@gmail.com