This year, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, and Actor and Writer, Henry Dawe of Uppingham had the privilege of composing a poem for Her Majesty on behalf of the residents of Rutland.

Now, upon the day of her funeral, Monday the 19th of September 2022, Oakham Nub News are proud to honour her by sharing the poem, entitled 'Our Gracious, Noble Queen' once more.

Click here for a foreword by Rutland's Lord-Lieutenant and Henry's own recital of the poem.

Alternatively, read the poem here:

'Our Gracious, Noble Queen'

It shimmers and it sparkles.                                                       

It glistens and it glows.  

That is the very splendour 

Which from your radiance flows.

So platinum becomes you.

It is precious and pristine,

With all the charm and lustre

Of our gracious, noble Queen.

.

Aged ten you knew your destiny                                                

Could never be your own.

Your little world changed overnight                                           

When Edward left the throne.

But you would not have said, 'Why me?'

You saw what it would mean

And thought ahead to your life as

Our gracious, noble Queen.

.

You are the face we can't forget.                                               

You are your family's Lilibet,                                                      

Our guide who leads us tirelessly,                                                          

Our raft upon a choppy sea.

You spend each day so selflessly

And serve us all devotedly.

.

Your Duke was always by your side        

Since on that morn the knot was tied.

You found your comfort, loyal and strong,

A true companion for so long.

It would have brought you joy if he

Had shared in this fine Jubilee.   

.                         

You have such a sense of faith 

And duty in your soul.               

That is what has surely 

Kept you steadfast in the role.

You've not wavered once 

Despite the troubles and the fears

And, although occasionally

Of course there have been tears,

Your reign has been so happy 

And so glorious to behold

And, as you look back on it all 

At 96 years old,

We know how fortunate we feel 

That you, of such renown,

Shine on still as the brightest jewel 

In England's ancient crown.

Our tribute comes with our love, Ma'am,

From Rutland's rustic county.

We mark, in 2022, 

Your Majesty's rich bounty,

Your gift for decades now bestowed

Upon our thankful nation,

As bells ring out and all around

We join in celebration.

To our minds we'll keep you close,

Our Sovereign so serene,

And in our hearts we'll hold you dear,

Our gracious, noble Queen.

.

Henry said: "I would like to thank Evie Payne of Oakham Nub News for offering me the opportunity to express my thoughts following the momentous news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.  

"Working for the Royal Household between 2007 and 2012 was a tremendous privilege which gave me an insight into the extraordinary number of duties which The Queen undertook. Her selflessness, dedication and devotion to duty were hugely admired by all the staff. These remarkable qualities were among those which I was so keen to praise in the Platinum Jubilee poem which, with the kind approval of the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, I released as a Rutland celebration of that great occasion. In the poem, I was very keen to pay tribute to our Sovereign's steadfastness and longevity, as well as to her grace and to the brightness which she brought into people's lives.  

 "No words can ever do justice to Her late Majesty's incomparable achievements but, in another poem soon to be released, I hope to convey a sense of the esteem in which she was held. The poem reflects on the many qualities of our longest-reigning monarch who will be so sorely missed by the people she magnificently served with all her heart. 

 "These are truly distressing and, of course, historic times. The world has lost its most shining light. What is beyond question is that no one will ever see the like of Queen Elizabeth II again. We must now give thanks for her life and for her example to us all."

Rutland residents can view the funeral from 11am at Rutland Refill, Oakham Baptist Church, and Bill's Bar.

On this national, and international, day of mourning, Nub News would like to say "Thank you, Your Majesty."