I am neither strongly royalist nor republican but do recognise the immense role the Queen has played in the history of the UK and beyond. And how much she will be missed by many.

I am also very aware that, for some, the Queen has been representative of much of our country’s challenging past, its imperialism and ongoing privilege.

Either way, she was a lady who dedicated her life to her job and service, the role she believed she was destined to fulfil. She was also a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt to her family, and for them, my condolences, grief is hard on the person and grieving in the spotlight must be so much more.

And now the country moves to having King Charles III as sovereign, him inheriting the Queen’s role including becoming Head of the Commonwealth.

Whilst the Commonwealth has its roots in British colonialism, it is also an organisation that supports development amongst the member nations and has international cooperation as its purpose.

Of course, there is also the multi sport event that is the Commonwealth Games, recently held here in Birmingham, an event I was lucky enough to be part of as a volunteer and an event that embraced and encouraged diversity and inclusion on so many levels.

Plus, on the day of the Games opening ceremony, the then Prince Charles visited the Athletes Village during the afternoon. He took his time to speak to as many athletes as possible, he engaged with everyone he met, spent real time with people, demonstrated knowledge of countries and sports and was an all-round hit with whoever met him. So many of the athletes came away from his visit really star struck!

So, whatever the Commonwealth means to us, to those athletes it was a truly special opportunity and one they won’t forget.

In case you haven’t picked up the information elsewhere since the announcement, there is an additional one-off bank holiday next week

Whether you’re experiencing collective grief following the passing of Her Majesty or as a result of another, more personal, bereavement, the Cruse website holds useful information and details on how to get in touch if you need support.