This coming weekend is set to be a very special and historic occasion, as we celebrate the first-ever Platinum Jubilee for a British monarch, and pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen for 70 years of dedicated service to our nation.
There are many exciting events taking place across the country, and I know many people will be attending local festivities or watching events in London on TV. The four-day weekend will give communities a chance to come together, and it is a delight to see that some of our streets across Halesowen, Cradley Heath and Rowley Regis will be holding parties. After the isolation of the pandemic, it is the right time for our country and our community to come together and enjoy a moment of celebration.
Her Majesty has been a remarkable public servant, having ascended to the throne at the age of just 25 on the death of her father, King George VI. Much has changed over the last seven decades, both domestically and globally, but the Queen has been a constant source of continuity and reassurance, providing leadership and helping maintain the UK’s standing on the world stage.
Last year I was appointed as Vice Chamberlain of HM Household during a Government reshuffle, which means undertaking royal duties in addition to my role as a Government Whip. At the recent State Opening of Parliament I was ‘held hostage’ at the Palace, part of a tradition that dates back to the Civil War, in order to ensure the monarch’s safe return. My duties also include writing to the Queen on each day that Parliament sits, to keep her updated on proceedings.
It is a great honour to serve in this role, especially at this symbolic time, and I’m sure you will join me in sending Her Majesty many congratulations on this important and historic milestone.
This article first appeared in the Halesowen & Dudley News on 2nd June 2022.
PIC: Artwork submitted to James by Sehjpreet, aged 8, as part of over 200 entries from local school children to commemorate the Jubilee.
