Reflection on the death of Queen Elizabeth II

At this time of national mourning, we at the Bedales Schools will be spending time over the coming days reflecting on the life of Queen Elizabeth II and the nation’s loss. This morning, at Dunannie, Dunhurst and Bedales, pupils and staff came together for assemblies to respond to the immediate impact of her death.

Between now and the official state funeral, we will be giving our community time to process this important occasion. In mourning the loss of our Head of State, we think back on the 70 years of her unstinting service to our country during her reign and our place in that era. It might also draw out possible feelings of loss more closely related to our own lives. As a school, we want to ensure that the young people in our care are given any emotional support they might need, as well as the space and guidance to understand the significance of the death of our monarch and the accession of King Charles III.

For the time being, all of us at Dunannie, Dunhurst and Bedales would like to express our deep sadness at the death of such a momentous figure in the life of our country, and offer our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family.

Fiona Read, Head of Bedales Pre-prep, Dunannie
Colin Baty, Head of Bedales Prep, Dunhurst
Will Goldsmith, Head of the Bedales Schools