The first time I saw the Queen was when I was in my last year of primary school in Tredegar.
We walked from school to catch the train to Newport, and from there walked to a large wide road and waited.
Eventually the procession of cars drove by, and there she was in the back seat, waving and smiling.
The next time I saw her was when I was in my last year of grammar school in Abergavenny, she was passing through the town on her way to Brecon.
Again, the procession arrived and she was there, in the back seat, waving and smiling.
The third time was very different. Some four years ago the then Bishop of Reading nominated me to receive the Maundy Money from the Queen for my services to Christianity, the church and the community.
The ceremony was held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. There were 92 women and 92 men gathered from all parts of the United Kingdom, and Her Majesty personally presented this award to every individual.
As she delivered into my hands the two small leather pouches, she looked up a me and with the faintest smile and the quietest voice said, ‘Thank you’.
I was really taken aback that someone who had done so much for so many years could thank a person who had done relatively little.
And not only has she done so much, she has also set such an example by her commitment and dedication to her office. In a society where commitment is waning she is a shining beacon and has been a great role model that we can all look up to and follow.
And I am looking forward to the Jubilee Service in Christchurch Meadows at 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon when we can all thank God for the services of this incredible lady. Please do join me and come along.
Michael Penny, Chair of Churches Together in Reading and Berkshire
