Lord Montagu speaks of nation's 'deep sadness' over death of the Queen
LORD Montagu of Beaulieu has paid tribute to the Queen's life of "unparalleled service" following her death yesterday (Thursday) aged 96.
He recalled waving to the late monarch in 1966 as she passed through the New Forest on her way to Lymington, and his family's moments in her presence.
Lord Montagu said: "Palace House is in mourning. Like all those born after 1952, Lady Montagu and I have never known anyone but the late Queen on the throne.
"She was a reassuring presence throughout our lives, and whilst we often followed her activities from afar, the New Forest was fortunate to receive Her late Majesty on a number of occasions."
He said: "One of my earliest childhood memories is of standing beside the road with my school friends at Battramsley and waving to the Queen as she passed by on her way to Lymington in 1966.
"Later in 1979 I was proud to be at the Queen’s House in Lyndhurst when my mother, Belinda Lady Montagu, was presented to the Queen who reviewed the recently completed New Forest Embroidery, marking the ninth centenary of the New Forest."
He added: "In more recent times a number of us were thrilled to find ourselves in the company of the Queen and Prince Philip when they visited the 2012 New Forest Show.
"Then, in 2017, my sister Mary Montagu-Scott, whilst serving as Hampshire’s High Sheriff, greeted Her late Majesty at Portsmouth when she came to officiate at the commissioning of the new aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth."
Paying tribute to the Queen, Lord Montagu added: "The death of Her Majesty the Queen has cast a shadow of deep sadness over the nation but we will continue to welcome visitors to Beaulieu during the mourning period, except on the day of the state funeral.
"On that day Beaulieu will be closed as the Montagu family joins the country in paying our respects and reflects upon our late monarch’s unparalleled service to Britain and the Commonwealth.
"I have placed a book of condolence in Palace House which our visitors are welcome to contribute to."
