We have all been deeply affected by the death of Queen Elizabeth II. As I write this many thousands of people are lining the streets of London to file past her lying in state.

They are doing this because they want to pay tribute to the incredible life that she dedicated to service, as do I.

For me she was a calm point at the centre of any storm that affected our country, giving great strength to her people. The Queen touched the lives of so many of us in Monmouthshire, Wales and beyond and her loss is deeply felt across the entire nation, and many in the Commonwealth.

As Keir Starmer said, ‘As we mourn her loss, we should also treasure her life. Our longest-serving and greatest ever monarch. Above the clashes of politics, she stood not for what the nation fought over, but what it agreed upon. In crisis, she reassured us. Reminding us that we are all part of something that stretches back through time.’

Now, as we enter the reign of a new monarch, together we must hope that King Charles III can embody all that was good about his mother, while of course adding is own different style to the role.

There has been criticism here in Wales about the immediate appointment of a new Prince and Princess of Wales. Elsewhere there have been anti-royalist sentiments, and bruising encounters with the police. For some, raw feelings are running very high during these unusual days.

But for the vast majority, the loss of one monarch and the instatement of another is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it has brought out the best in most people.

Disagreement is a sign of a healthy democracy. Tolerance and respect are others. Our late Queen needs to be remembered with the same kindness she showed others during her exceptional reign.