AN MP has recalled the “immense pride” of the late Sir David Amess when he was knighted by the Queen.

Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, says Queen Elizabeth’s passing will mourned “not just int this country, but also across the Commonwealth,” following her death yesterday afternoon.

Recalling his favourite Royal Family anecdote, the Conservative MP invoked the memory of Sir David Amess – the Southend West MP who was tragically murdered last year.

“My great friend, the late Sir David Amess MP, was a staunch Monarchist – and an admirer of the Queen in particular – and I well remember how immensely proud both he and Lady Julia were when he was knighted by Her Majesty at Windsor, several years ago.

“As he said shortly afterwards: ‘Who would ever have guessed that a boy, from Forest Gate, in the East End of London, would one day be knighted by a Queen, in a castle?.

“Despite her passing, it is wonderful to know that she was still able to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year, during which the love of her people for her devoted service was so evidently on show.  

“She undoubtedly kept her promise from her 21st birthday, to devote her life to the service of her people and, in modern parlance, ‘she did exactly what it said on the tin.’

“We will always be grateful to her for that, as her extraordinary and truly unique reign has now drawn to a close.

“Perhaps we can take some comfort in the belief that she is now resting in peace, reunited with her beloved husband, Prince Philip, who she once famously described as her ‘strength and stay’.

“She was a most remarkable sovereign, and she will be sorely missed by us all in the United Kingdom and indeed by people around the world.

“The Queen is dead. God save the King!”