This week, Aylesbury MP Rob Butler writes exclusively to Bucks Free Press readers. He writes:

The State Funeral of Her late Majesty The Queen on Monday marked the culmination of ten days of national mourning that followed the death of Elizabeth II – the only monarch most of us have known, such was the length of her extraordinary reign.

The day was marked in equal parts by sorrow and splendour, grief understandably etched on the faces of members of the royal family who had lost a mother and grandmother, deep emotion felt by tens of thousands of members of the public who lined the route of the procession, pride and precision demonstrated by the truly marvellous armed forces who took

Her Majesty on her final journeys in London and Windsor.

Many local people played important parts in the ceremonial events, including police officers, scouts and instructors at RAF Halton, which was transformed almost overnight into a training and rehearsal base for members of the RAF participating in the formal commemorations.

The respect and reverence shown to the Queen brought out Britain at its best, as we remembered a monarch who had exemplified duty, selflessness, dignity and grace throughout her life.

It was a personal privilege to be able to pay tribute to Her Majesty in Parliament, where MPs from all parties came together to relay their experiences and memories of the Queen.

It didn’t matter whether they had met her many times, or like me, not once, because she was somehow always a part of all our lives, a constant through decades of rapid change, a source of unity even in times of great division.

This was very much reflected in the moving words of the Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Countess Howe, at the Memorial Service organised by Buckinghamshire Council at St Mary’s Church in Aylesbury.

It was a wonderful opportunity for representatives of numerous local organisations and faith groups to gather and reflect on the Queen’s service spanning 70 years, coming just a few months after residents across our county had celebrated her platinum jubilee.

We now move into the reign of King Charles III, whose assent to the throne was proclaimed in Aylesbury and then parishes across Buckinghamshire in ceremonies dating back centuries. It was an honour to attend them, and to be present at Westminster Hall when His Majesty pledged to follow his mother’s example of selfless duty.

I am sure you join me in wishing him every strength in fulfilling his heavy responsibilities.