When was the last time you remember seeing such a time of change for our country?

With a new head of government and a new head of state all within the space of 48 hours.

We are filled with grief as we come to terms with the indescribable loss of the guardian of our traditions, we stand shoulder to shoulder with all corners of the place we call home – the United Kingdom.

We MPs work hard to serve our respective constituencies.

If we think we have a hard feat, then that fleeting thought is put into perspective when we appreciate the sacrifice of Her Majesty. 54 Commonwealth countries, 14 as Head of State, and 70 years of service as our Monarch.

The epitome of the greatest leadership. And still, she made it to Bolton on four occasions.

In 1954, Her Majesty first visited Bolton a year after her coronation, where the Royal Train pulled up into Trinity Street Station and she toured the borough.

In 1968, Her Majesty visited St Paul’s Church in Halliwell as part of ‘Operation Springclean’ – a national campaign to clean up heritage buildings.

In 1988, Her Majesty, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, celebrated the town’s 150th birthday celebrations, when she officially opened the Market Place centre and the Water Place.

In 2009, Her Majesty visited the Warburtons factory, again with the Duke of Edinburgh steadfast by her side.

And a heart-warming anecdote – in 1953, the Queen went to her first FA Cup final between Blackpool and Bolton Wanderers at Wembley Stadium. The 4-3 loss was later remedied in 1958, when the Duke of Edinburgh awarded Bolton Wanderers with the FA Cup, beating Manchester United 2–0.

The outpouring of emotion we feel in Bolton today is palpable. And as we are brought together to mourn our collective loss, it reminds us that regardless of our background, religion or politics, we must work together as one country.

For our Kingdom United fills us with pride.

God bless the Queen, God Save the King.