The Society and College of Radiographers are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of UK Council, the College Board of Trustees and the members of the Society of Radiographers, I send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family.
The death of a public figure can elicit a range of complex emotions. There can be a deep sense of loss and sadness for those who admired them, while others may feel indifference or somewhere in between. Quite often I suspect these events can trigger our own bereavements, bringing the grief we have experienced for a loved one to the surface again.
In these difficult times we learn there is no right or wrong way to respond, apart from respecting that we may all feel differently.
For the vast majority of us, we have only known one monarch and what Queen Elizabeth II symbolised to many was a steady, fixed point in the collective consciousness of the people of the UK.
As our head of state, she was intrinsically woven into the fabric of all of our lives and her passing truly marks the end of an era.
I will leave you with the words of our President, Ross McGhee:
'The passing of Queen Elizabeth II during one of the most troubling periods for our nation in decades will have a profound impact on many British people. The long and impactful reign of Her Majesty provided a sense of stability for many. My thoughts are with the Royal Family and with all Radiographers who feel a personal sorrow for her passing. It is important at this time to put kindness first and respect differing opinions. The Queen was a well-respected head of state as well as a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her legacy will be one of a talented diplomat who put her duty to her subjects above all else.'
Richard Evans OBE
CEO of the Society and College of Radiographers.