The media has been so full of news about the events in England and abroad since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, you might have missed some sweet and inspiring moments that took place over the weekend.
So we thought we'd share with you some of the highlights that made us smile, and reminded us that even in her passing, the late Queen is still inspiring others.
The farming community came out in force
On Sunday, the Queen's coffin was brought, in a cortege, from Balmoral Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. The 400 mile journey gave viewers a chance to see some of the glorious countryside so beloved by Elizabeth II. However, there were some particularly touching moments along the way.
While crowds gathered to pay their respects, the farming community came out to bid their Queen farewell in the best way they knew: by lining the side of the road with their tractors. It was a fleeting but important moment, which reminded us how the former British sovereign loved nature and the countryside, and had she not been queen, she would have loved the rural life.
A heavenly reunion
The youngest son of the new Prince and Princess of Wales, four-year-old Prince Louis, spoke a lot of sense when hearing of the Queen's passing. His mom, Princess Catherine, revealed during a public walkabout that she received some consolation from her wise little Louis. "My little Louis is just so sweet. He said, 'Mummy don't worry, because she is now with great grandpa,'" she explained to a member of the public.
Building a sense of community
All across the British Isles, communities have come out to mourn the Queen. Whether gathering at the gates of her palaces across the lands or placing flowers in public areas, there has been a sense of shared sorrow and unity.
It has also been heartening to see the public lend a hand in a cause close to the Queen's heart: With the thousands of bouquets of flowers lining up, all the plastic wrapping needed to be taken off them. So many well-wishers took the time to lend a hand and display the bouquets in all their glory.
Global unity
At a time when there is so much fraction and uncertainty in the world, leaders came together to send their condolences to the royal family. While Pope Francis sent a beautiful message that reminded us of the Queen's deep faith and her firm belief in the hope of God's promises, other world leaders took time to reflect on her wisdom and humility. Hopefully, this brief moment of reflection and solidarity can serve as a reminder to all the heads of states of their own need to always act with charity and wisdom.
A hint of forgiveness
There was much talk in the press about the joint walkabout of Princes William and Harry and their wives. While the focus should be on the late Queen, it was heartening to see that despite the friction between the two brothers, they were able to come together to honor their grandmother.
This was one of the most successful roles of Elizabeth II: she was the ultimate diplomat who always tried to bring about unity. Whether the brothers truly turn a corner in their relationship, or just manage to honor the Queen in the most respectful manner possible, their joint pain and loss may hopefully be stepping stone in the direction of forgiveness and reconciliation.
The joy in tradition
One of the most surprising occurrences over the last few days was the way the British nations came together to honor their new king, Charles III and his wife, the Queen Consort, Camilla. There is no disputing that Charles was never the most popular member of the royal family, but the general public turned to him in their mourning of their Queen.
King Charles gave a truly beautiful speech in honor of his mother, one that ensured a continuity and sense of tradition that people still desire in an ever-changing world. And this was reinforced over the weekend with pageantry we've not seen for decades, and there will be more to come.
While all the pomp and pageantry might seem misplaced today, it does provide a moment to appreciate the splendor of tradition and to see it bridging our past with the future, that among all the crests, trumpets, and polished uniforms, there is hope.
