Today is the day of the State Funeral for Queen Elizabeth II – a most solemn occasion for the Nation. 

 

Today there won’t be the usual Daily Column. Too much has been written and said in the past ten days, so there’s no need to add yet another comment, yet another explanation of what it all means, yet another ‘outlook’ for what the future may hold. 

 

Today is not the day on which to add more words to this huge pile of words already spoken and written. On this day it is bad form to mock even the mockers. That’s why I’ve refrained from writing my usual column. That’s why I am keeping the silence this solemn occasion requires. 

 

However, all of you are invited to write your thoughts and comments in the usual place.