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While tourists from around the globe broke down in tears outsides the gates of Buckingham Palace at the news of the Her Majesty’s failing health, the overwhelming sense of sadness of people across the country felt was matched by the outpouring of love as people came to the realisation that somebody who has been a constant in the nation’s hearts for almost a century had fallen critically ill.

As TV favourite Russell Grant eloquently stated on social media: “Queen Elizabeth has been a part of my life since I can remember. She is one of the few rocks of stability I’ve been able to hold onto.”

The extent of the nation’s love was most recently captured by the vast sea of Jubilee parties held during four days of celebrations in June.

It felt as if almost every home in every street was decked out in red, white and blue bunting as friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues from across the generations gathered to celebrate her incredible achievements.

Doom-mongers had attempted to write off the 70th jubilee celebrations as the dying embers of an outdated institution but if anything, the sun-kissed weekend surpassed even anything seen in 1977, 2002 or 2012.

As she travelled across the country making regular public engagements she managed to mix formal occasions with lighter moments.

She was known to pop into fish and chip shops, wasn’t afraid to grab a spade if a tree needed planting and was even known to pop into for a cup of tea.

Her sense of fun was also evident on major occasions, such as the Olympic Opening Ceremony in 2012 when she filmed a special James Bond sequence with heartthrob Daniel Craig before “appearing” to parachute from a helicopter alongside 007.

That seemed unlikely to be beaten until she repeated the trick with a charming sketch opposite Paddington Bear as part of the Jubilee celebrations.

Her strength during the Covid epidemic proved inspirational, not least the uplifting moment she assured the country “we will meet again” during the first national lockdown of 2020.

Among her huge love of horses and corgis, she has been a huge supporter of the Women’s Institute of which she has been a member since 1943.

She remained President of Sandringham WI, attending their January meeting each year.

Royal watchers believe she has shaken “a million hands” during her lifetime but alongside world leaders and dignitaries she has shared her time equally with the general public.

Her regular Buckingham Palace garden parties have frequently rewarded local heroes and community champions with a chance to meet the royal family in a relaxed setting, with The Queen always greeting her guests with a beaming smile.

But it is not just in the UK that the love for Elizabeth has remained, it has spread throughout the commonwealth and around the world where news of her condition has led to non-stop tv news bulletins and made front-page headlines.

Newspapers across the Commonwealth – from Canada to Australia – across Europe, and countless others around the world shared the concerning news to their readers on Thursday – while several world leaders said their thoughts were with The Queen and her family at this time.

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