It is exceptionally sad news that the Queen has died. As mentioned in some of the tributes in Parliament today, her length of service and complete dedication to the role meant that many of us thought and hoped she would stay forever.
Queen Elizabeth was absolutely outstanding in so many ways. Others will write about her length of time as our Monarch and the changing times she faced. We should remember also though her sense of humour and her ability to stay hugely popular and relevant with young people, as the Platinum Jubilee showed.
A much loved Monarch is more important than ever during challenging times and I think King Charles will do a great job. The Queen will never be replaced. I know that many who have lost family members or friends over the last few years will feel particularly affected by the news and very much hope that we in Somerset, and across the country, can support each other and in time look back on the life of someone who was truly, perhaps more so than anyone else, a national treasure.