Constitutional monarchy facilitates Christian practice. To make the best of its relative political powerlessness, monarchs must embrace the opportunity to serve in order to contribute positively to national well-being. Queen Elizabeth II understood this well. Her personal Christianity allowed her to be a servant Queen. She was by spiritual nature and temperament a follower of Jesus Christ.

The death of Queen Elizabeth and the succession of King Charles have been overtly Christian in character. People might think that the United Kingdom is still a Christian nation. We are not. The new atheists are quietened for the moment. Queen Elizabeth was able to keep the balance between her personal piety and conviction and her regal duty to be inclusive. Charles seeks to inherit that compromise.

Queen Elizabeth’s death and King Charles succession have seen Christianity restored to the centre of national conversation. Do the people of these islands want to return to Christianity? Or have they simply admired Queen Elizabeth for being what they themselves do not want to be or are unable to be?

Even the most stubborn might concede that there is a kind providence in the manner of Queen Elizabeth’s passing. Should it not be so? Working until 96 years of age and until 48 hours before a quick and relatively easy passage from this life? Eyes of faith will see it. But it is ancient wisdom. Even King Charles’ succession is accounted for.

‘Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. Truly I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains’. (Psalm 116 : 15 – 16)