Yesterday the world witnessed what Britain does best. The weather agreed. Wall to wall blue skies reflected on an English scene glorious in its majesty, dazzling in its ancient ceremony yet replete with dignity. Simple touches brought a personal feel to the solemn occasion. A specially-adapted Land Rover vehicle, true to Philip’s humour and humility, made his last journey. An honour too for Birmingham, where it was made. And, amongst it all, sat an old lady in black, small and lonely on a wooden pew, something with which everyone all over the world is familiar. Yet, for me, it was a perfect example of the essential differences in style between England and other nations. Yesterday showed England’s majesterial excellence. My two, soon-to-be-reprinted, non-fiction books about living in France and America show how two different nations deal with ceremony. Wherever you live, may peace be with those currently experiencing shared grief.
RIP Philip.
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