‘Epitome of integrity’: Advisers react to Queen’s passing

Aged 96, she was the longest-serving monarch in British history. This year, she celebrated the 70th anniversary of her reign which endured 15 different prime ministers.

Earlier today, Buckingham Palace confirmed the Queen was under medical supervision and doctors were concerned for her health. The Palace confirmed her passing this evening (September 8).

Words can do no justice to the sense of loss the whole country feels upon her passing.Tim Morris, Russell & Co Financial Advisers

Advisers across the IFA industry have come together to celebrate the Queen’s reign, which began back in 1952 following the death of her father George VI.

“She's been a monumental leader for this country,” said Tim Morris, an IFA at Russell & Co Financial Advisers.

“Always very in tune with the sentiments of the nation. How she managed to adjust so amazingly well to all the different eras, attitudes and opinions is beyond me. 

“She has been a beacon of light through the darkest times. From one of the grimmest wars in history not long before her reign began, right through to the horrific disruption and loss of life caused by the Covid-91 pandemic.

“Words can do no justice to the sense of loss the whole country feels upon her passing.”

The Queen became the longest-serving monarch in British history back in 2015. Before her, it was her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.

She will be remembered as a fantastic ambassador for Great Britain.Alan Lakey, CI Expert

Founder of CIExpert, Alan Lakey, said regardless of people’s stances on the royal family, the Queen conducted herself with integrity.

“Whether you’re a royalist or a republican, I think we can all agree that her behaviour has always displayed the epitome of rectitude and integrity,” said Lakey.

“She has always been conscious of the royal family’s reputation and sought to protect it despite the black spots of the last 25 years.  

“She will be remembered as a fantastic ambassador for Great Britain and in future years her reputation will soar as events unfold.”

‘Impossible to replace’

The Queen took on her role as the country’s leader at the age of just 25, remaining on the throne for more than six decades.

Devon-based financial adviser Philip Milton said: “Never in history has someone’s image been reproduced so many times on things like stamps and coins.

“There has never been a world leader, politician, businessman, religious person who has held such an important and effective role for so long, fulfilling the responsibilities it demanded in a professional and ethical way for that length of time, travelling and communicating as much as she has been obliged by the role.

This is the passing of an era, an epoch, the like of which we are unlikely to see again.Harry Katz, retired IFA

“She will be impossible to replace and has been a colossal influence on the lives of so many, both at home and in the Commonwealth but respected across the world.”

Milton said he felt the Queen had been an anchor to the stability which the UK has represented to the world, including the financial integrity from which the adviser industry benefits.

Former pensions lawyer, Jennie Kreser, said for a high proportion of the public the Queen is the only monarch they have known. 

"I never met her but I would say the most important acts brought in under her reign were probably the Sex Discrimination Act - now the Equalities Act - and the Human Rights Act. 

"And, from a pensions perspective the Pensions Act 1995."

‘I feel bereft’

Some in the industry have felt the Queen’s passing very personally. Retired adviser Harry Katz said: “It may sound melodramatic, but I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I feel bereft. 

“This is the passing of an era, an epoch, the like of which we are unlikely to see again. I well recall seeing the coronation procession near Eros as a young six-year-old and it is testament that our dear Queen has indeed been happy and glorious and has reigned over us for a remarkably long and interesting period.”

Katz accepts there have been some difficult times in the Queen’s reign, but said she has come through them “with grace and fortitude”. 

He added: “Her successor has an almost impossible task to live up to such a legacy. Everyone, from all walks of life and from all communities will mourn her passing and will have fond and precious memories of a great monarch who has made an indelible imprint on the history of this country. Rest in well-deserved peace.”

ruby.hinchliffe@ft.com