The UK gained so much from the Queen鈥檚 reputation as a global statesperson, let鈥檚 hope we can build on her legacy

richard steer BW

For as long as I can recall Queen Elizabeth has been a touchstone for all that is perceived as being reliable, disciplined, and honourable about the United Kingdom. I travel widely with my work and as politicians come and go and issues from Brexit to Northern Ireland have been topics about which, as a 鈥淏rit abroad鈥�, I have been derided, criticised or had to defend, the one thing that has been above reproach wherever or whatever I have been visiting has been Her Majesty the Queen.

She has been the ultimate balm in any fretful or difficult conversation with someone critical of the UK. Whatever the perceived injustice they always admit that Her Majesty has unimpeachable integrity and with that quality alone she enhanced the equity of brand UK, beyond measure.

For King Charles III it is an unenviable task succeeding a world icon. Probably our most revered global statesperson of the last century

On a personal and professional level we are fortunate to have the honour of some involvement with the refurbishment of Buckingham Palace. It is fair to say that even up until her recent health challenges and move to Windsor the Queen took a keen interest in the work and it is especially pleasing that we have literally played a part in managing the restoration of the fabric of the building that will forever be intrinsically linked to Elizabeth II.

>> Also read: Views on architecture and the environment mark Charles III as a man ahead of his time

>> The second Elizabethan age: eight decades of building

Much about this country needs improvement. From our health service to our road system, and from our energy sector to our transport network. However, the constant in all this has been the work of our monarchy.

For King Charles III it is an unenviable task succeeding a world icon. Probably our most revered global statesperson of the last century has passed away and it is an almost impossible act to follow. But I am sure he will succeed, forging his own path in a different era which requires new skills.

In this time of remembrance it is worth considering what made her so special. After all she was not born to the role, it was thrust upon her through circumstance. Whether it was her loyalty, her incredible work ethic or her ability to adapt to changing circumstance, she has left a legacy from which we can all learn. In the end I think we should just rejoice in the fact that we were able to live through the second truly remarkable Elizabethan age.

Richard Steer is chair of Gleeds Worldwide

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