QUEEN MOTHER’S MESSAGE

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26659, 19 February 1952, Page 7

QUEEN MOTHER’S MESSAGE

Appreciation Of Sympathy LONDON. Feb. 17. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in a moving message to-day to the multitude of people in all parts of the world who had offered her sympathy, said that the new Queen Elizabeth “in the great and lonely station to which she nW been called.” would need their protection and love. The message was issued after the aueen Mother, the Queen and Princess argaret had attended a memorial service for the King in the private chapel at Windsor. The Queen Mother addressed her message to “You. who from all parts of the world, have been giving me your sympathy and affection throughout these dark days." She said: “I want you to know how your eonoern for me has upheld me in my sorrow and how proud you have made me by your wonderful tributes ♦o my dear husband, a great and noble King. No man had a deeper sense than he of duty and service. No man was more full of compassion for his fellow men. “He loved vou 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 15 years ago. Now, lam left alone to do what I can to honour that pledge without him.” The Queen Mother continued: “Throughout our married life we have tried, the King and I, to fulfil with all I our hearts and strength, the great task and service that was laid upon us. My only wish now is that I may be allowed to continue the work we sought to do together. "I commend to you our dear daughter. Give her your loyalty and devotion; in the great lonely station to which she has been called, she will need your protection and your love. “God bless you all. May His wisdom guide us safely to the true destiny of peace and goodwill’’