Rydal Penrhos honoured the life of Queen Elizabeth II, who sadly passed away aged 96 on Thursday 8 September.
The entire Rydal Penrhos community was deeply saddened to learn of Queen Elizabeth II‘s sad passing aged 96. Her reign – the longest in British history – was marked by her strong sense of duty and a fierce determination to dedicate her life to the throne and the people.
There was a sombre mood across the school on Friday 9 September. The Rydal Penrhos family descended on St John’s Church this morning (Friday) for a special service of prayer in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, who became for many the one constant point in a rapidly changing world as British influence declined, society changed beyond recognition and the role of the monarchy itself came into question.
The service was incredibly well attended by staff, pupils, governors, alumni and parents, which further highlighted what Queen Elizabeth II meant to so many. It was observed impeccably and led by the Reverend Dr Rob Beamish, Chaplain of Rydal Penrhos.
Rev’d Dr Beamish, said: “She has been the one constant for many of us throughout our lives, we have never known a time without her in it.
“We will feel her loss keenly as a nation and the world will be changed now that she is gone. It is us now who grieve, collectively as a nation for a woman, who although only fairly short (she was only 5 ft 3) had such stature, such presence and such spirit that she has left an indelible mark on the world, on history and our hearts.
“Thousands of words will be spoken and written over the coming days and weeks about this remarkable woman. However, I will leave the last words to Her Majesty.
“Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God.”
Flags were flown at half-mast at the Senior and Prep sites, with Rydal Penrhos also postponing the Speech Day and Founders’ Weekend events planned over the next few days as a mark of respect to a figure that meant a significant amount to many across the globe.
The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.
Her success in maintaining the monarchy through such turbulent times was even more remarkable given that, at the time of her birth, no one could have foreseen that the throne would be her destiny.
More information about arrangements regarding Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, together with Speech Day and 2022 Founders’ Weekend, will be made available in due course.
Rydal Penrhos offers our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and everyone across the country and beyond.
