A Bourton councillor revealed the Queen’s death brought back memories of his own personal bereavements.
Gloucestershire County Council held a special meeting on Wednesday morning to commemorate Her Majesty.
Paul Hodgkinson, who represents Bourton and North Leach on the council, paid tribute to the late Queen, sharing that her death had an unexpected effect on him.
He said: “I must admit that I was surprised at the depth of feeling and emotion which I experienced when I heard the news that the Queen was seriously ill and then when she passed away.
“It did actually feel like the passing of a mum or a grandma and I think for many it brought back memories of bereavement and loss.
“This is therefore a time for us to be mindful of the mental wellbeing of our constituents and people we know who may be affected by the sombre tone of TV and radio news.
“It’s a time of profound change and change as we know brings fear, upheaval and uncertainty.”
READ MORE: 'A true countrywoman' - Cotswold MP pays tribute to the Queen
Councillor Hodgkinson continued: “For me though the key reflection of the loss of the Queen is about leadership.
“Although the Queen wasn’t a political leader she was an influencer and someone whom a large number of people looked to for inspiration, guidance and reassurance.
“That leadership was about being calm, being assured, being constant and being reliable. It was about stickability.
“These attributes are the best of leadership – not chaotic or last minute, not rushed or volatile – quite the reverse.
“Queen Elizabeth never gave up, she was persistent and conscientious – these are all skills and attributes we can aspire to as public servants.”
On Sunday, communities up and down the country proclaimed Charles the new King.
READ MORE: Cotswold communities proclaim King Charles III and mourn Queen Elizabeth II
The first such reading of the proclamation in Gloucestershire was read by the High Sheriff, Air Mashall Sir Dusty Miller KBE, at 1pm from the steps of Shire Hall in Gloucester.
On the new King, councillor Hodgkinson added: “King Charles III, it still feels strange saying that, has of course been a resident of Gloucestershire for decades, choosing to make his home near Tetbury in the Cotswolds.
“Many of us, like him, have also chosen to live in the Cotswolds. He is clearly a man of good taste!
“His affection for our area is clear – and we should be pleased as a result that our new King has Gloucestershire firmly in his mind – so we won’t be forgotten about I’m sure."
He finished his tribute by saying: “Finally, as with all things, there is a positive to be gained from sadness and change.
"The best way to remember the Queen’s life is for us to be as dedicated as community leaders as she was. That would indeed be the most fitting tribute."
It was also confirmed at the meeting that the county council would be observing the bank holiday for Her Majesty's funeral.
This will mean that schools, libraries, household recycling centres, and other council services and phone lines (apart from emergency cover) will be closed.
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