The one important thing shared by all UK police officers is their oath to the Crown. Many of them take comfort from this allegiance to the sovereign not least because it offers some protection from the messy world of party politics. There is no doubt that our late Queen was held in the highest possible regard by the police and social media is awash with accounts from police officers, past and present, of their encounters with her and the honour, joy and pride those meetings engendered. What is clear from all of these accounts is the admiration and love for the Queen, especially her selfless devotion to the service of others.
As we have seen from the tributes from World leaders, the Queen was respected and admired across the globe. She has been a constant in all of our lives, providing comfort and inspiration in equal measure.
King Charles will have a hard act to follow and we all wish him well.
God save the King.