The day after the news broke, we spent the morning in household groups watching the television coverage and also sharing our thoughts and feelings on the events. Naturally, there was a great deal of sadness, but there was also an immense feeling of pride amongst our residents towards a queen who had reigned for so long, and who had done so much wonderful work for the country. Many of the ladies here at Athelstan House remarked that Her Majesty was now happily reunited with her “strength and stay,” the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

On Friday afternoon, some of the residents, along with volunteers Izzy and Jane, gathered in the Heart of the Home and had tea and homemade cheese straws (a firm favourite here at Athelstan House) and we listened to music from across the decades as we talked about all the wonderful things that our Queen had done for the country. During this gathering, Izzy shared a wonderful poem about the Queen’s passing which, although very sad to read, did reassure us all that the Queen was in fact safely with her Prince once again. We framed copies of the poem and displayed it in each household as well as in reception alongside our cut-out of the Queen and a vase of flowers in tribute to Her late Majesty.

At 6pm on Friday evening, a number of residents gathered in the Cinema Room on Heather Household to watch the first televised address of His Majesty King Charles III, our new King. All of the residents remarked that His Majesty had spoken very clearly and, whilst we all felt very sorry for the sad loss of his mother, Dorothy summed up what we were all feeling when she said “I think King Charles will do very well. He has been very well prepared.” We all agreed with this sentiment.

On Sunday 18th September, the day before Her late Majesty’s funeral, we held an arts and craft morning where we created collage pictures using a variety of images relating to the Royal Family, past and present (ranging from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert right through to the three young children of the new Prince and Princess of Wales). Many of the ladies present remarked on how handsome Prince Philip had been!!

On Sunday afternoon we held a traditional tea party featuring scones, cakes, iced buns as well as tea and coffee. Whilst we tucked into the food and drink, Mildred very kindly shared a book she had been given showing some of the outfits and hats worn by Her late Majesty over her long life. This then prompted a discussion about our earliest memories of the Queen and the Royal Family. The conversation turned to any memories of the Coronation in 1953. One of our residents revealed that she and her husband camped on The Mall the night before the Coronation and saw the Queen and the Duke pass by in the Gold State Coach! We continued our discussion by sharing our hopes for the new reign, concluding that, as a local man, King Charles is going to do an excellent job.

Whilst the week following the passing of the Queen was undoubtedly very sad for us all, here at Athelstan House it has also been a really wonderful opportunity for us to come together and share our stories and memories.