Our nation's strength and stay

 The UK mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth II after she passes away peacefully at Balmoral with her family by her side

- Rhona Mercer

The nation went into mourning last week following the death of our beloved Queen, who has reigned for 70 years. Her passing has left a huge void in our lives and royalists not just in the UK but across the globe will be devastated by the loss of a woman who meant so much to so many.

Given her lifelong love of Scotland, it felt fitting that our beloved monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, spent her final days at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, before passing away at the age of 96 on 8 September while surrounded by some of her loved ones.

The Queen's devoted children, Princes Charles, Andrew and Edward, and Princess Anne, made an emergency dash to be by her side shortly after her doctors confirmed on Thursday that there were serious concerns for her health.

Charles’ wife Camilla, Prince William and Prince Harry who fortuitously was visiting the UK with his wife Meghan also headed to Scotland.

Those who follow the royal family may not have been shocked by the Queen’s passing, given she has appeared increasingly frail over recent months. But the loss of our Queen has been hard to come to terms with for so many.