LETTERS: Britain today is in a mixed state of national emotions, sad with the demise of their beloved Queen Elizabeth II but happy in the ascent of a new king in King Charles III.
The late Queen had earned the stature as the longest reigning monarch in modern history. Steady and calm in demeanour, stoic in spirit, she astrode an era that spans from 1952 to 2022. She outlived many of her contemporaries.
From the many warm tributes that have come in from leaders around the world, we can sense that she was well respected and will be dearly missed. She had groomed Prince Charles as her successor and the time has come for him to play his regal role.
He was installed as the new King of Britain on Sept 10, 2022. Mature and distinguished looking, he is expected to lend a continued sense of stability to the British throne.
Britain, like many other countries in the world, is suffering from high inflation. The soaring utility tariffs in particular can make life rather miserable especially with the advent of winter.
Fostering a sense of national cohesion is necessary for Britain as a whole. Adjusting to life in a post-Brexit Britain can also be challenging.
Despite all these problems, life has to go on. The "never say die" spirit is still very strong among the British. Their indomitable spirit as shown in the midst of World War 2 is legendary.
At that crucial and dark hour, they were lucky to have a fatherly figure in their prime minister Sir Winston Churchill to give them hope. A country that has ruled an empire that never saw a setting sun must have the verve and strength to overcome whatever adversity that comes their way.
The country is still an El Dorado and a beacon of hope for many who clamour to reach its shores. That says much of its charm. The words "Old England" is the anagram of "Golden Land". How interesting!
Dr Koh Aik Khoon
Subang Jaya, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times