Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, at the funeral of her late husband King George VI on 15 February 1952.
I want to send this message of thanks to a multitude of people - to you who, from all parts of the world, have been giving me your sympathy and affection throughout these dark days. I want you to know how your concern for me has upheld me in my sorrow, and how you have made me by your wonderful tributes to my dear husband, a great and noble King. No man had a deeper sense than he of duty and of service, and no man was more full of compassion for his fellow-men. He loved you all, every one of you, most truly. That, you know, was what he always tried to tell you in his yearly message at Christmas; that was the pledge he took at the sacred moment of his coronation fifteen years ago. Now I am left alone, to do what I can to honour that pledge without him.
Throughout our married life we have tried, the King and I, to fulfil with all our hearts and all our strength the great task of service that was laid upon us. My only wish now is that I may be allowed to continue the work that we sought to do together.
I commend to you our dear daughter: give her your loyalty and devotion: in the great and lonely station to which she has been called she will need your protection and your love.
God bless you all; and may He in his wisdom guide us safely to our true destiny of peace and good will.
