“After a shot from a 13-pounder First World War gun rang out across Horse Guards Parade to signal a two-minute silence, the only noises on Whitehall were the squawks of a few seagulls, the only movement the gentle tumbling of autumn leaves, taking their place among the ranks of those already fallen.”

I am relieved that only one shot was needed to signal the time for silent reflection.

And… I admire the courage, the defiance that our Queen displayed.

T