'Gracious and engaging' - Chief Constable pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Thames Valley Police Chief Constable John Campbell QPM has paid tribute to Her late Majesty on the morning of the state funeral.
The Chief Constable at Thames Valley Police, John Campbell QMP, has paid tribute to Her late Majesty as he reflects on his time on the force.
In a statement posted online, he said: "I began my time with Thames Valley Police in July 2010, having been in policing since 1988, and since that time have been involved in the policing of a number of Royal events.
"When you become a police officer, you swear an oath of affirmation to Her Majesty the Queen, and it is something I have kept in mind throughout my career.
"Thames Valley Police has had the responsibility of policing several Royal events or events attended by the Royal family throughout the reign of Her Majesty. I have been honoured to be Gold Commander for many of these, with a clear duty to ensure Her Majesty’s and the Royal family’s protection, as well as the public.
"Such examples include State visits, the Jubilee events of 2012 and the Olympic Games in London the same year, when Her Majesty and the late Duke of Edinburgh welcomed the torch and bearer to Windsor Castle.
"During 2014 we saw some of the worst flooding across the region, especially in Datchet, Berkshire. I was the Gold Commander of this operation, working to help keep people safe during this major incident. The now Prince of Wales and Duke of Sussex also made their way to the area and helped in the efforts to relieve the flooding by moving and stacking sandbags.
"In 2015, my work leading this multi-agency major incident, policing the Olympics and roles within counter terrorism policing was recognised by Her Majesty when I was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM). I was delighted to receive this recognition, which was later given to me by the Prince of Wales in Windsor Castle.
"I was also very fortunate to meet Her Majesty at an event as part of her 90th Birthday celebrations in 2016. I recall it was a hot day and she was on her feet for a very long time, meeting representatives from a number of local organisations. It must have been such hard work, but as always she was gracious and engaging.
"Her Majesty ruled for longer than any other Monarch in British history and it has been a privilege to protect and serve her during her reign. "
More information about the Queen's funeral can be found here.