The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has been a terrible shock to the country and to so many people across Stourbridge.
Like the vast majority of the population, I have known no other head of state than Her Majesty and I am very upset.
She has been our rock for seven magnificent decades of tireless service to this country and the Commonwealth. Over the next few weeks, we will grieve the loss of a woman who always put her country first and who we respect and admire so much. We will pay tribute to a life well lived.
The outpouring of love and best wishes for the Royal family and the country has been quite unbelievable. It has been genuine and it has come from all over the world.
Proof, if it was needed, that Her Majesty was a global icon; an inspiration to so many far from these shores who recognised her dignity and her tireless service. We have lost one of the world’s greatest citizens.
This week, I paid my respects when I laid flowers in Mary Stevens Park on behalf of the people of Stourbridge. I was also in Westminster as both Houses of Parliament heard from our new King Charles III.
His speech was moving and his dedication to his mother’s memory and her style of constitutional monarchy was important as his reign unites our kingdom. He is grieving but he has started his role at the new head of state with great dignity and with the Queen Consort at his side.
I look forward to pledging my allegiance to His Majesty in the coming weeks. I have no doubt his reign will be a great success.
My hope is the ceremonies taking place over the next few days will be a great comfort to us all. The funeral on Monday will be an unbelievably sad event but one, I am sure, that will help us come to terms with the end of this incredible Elizabethan age.
I know many people feel very unsettled because this constant presence in our lives is now not here. It will be strange to see new coins and new banknotes and new stamps with our new king on them but we will get used to it.
However, one thing is certain: we will never forget Her Majesty. Her humour, her wisdom, her ability to be there for us in good times and bad - a constant presence in an ever-changing world - is quite simply unforgettable.
I am so grateful we were able to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee with her just a few months ago. We loved her and we will miss her. God Save the King.
