I am reminded of the time, during Mrs Thatcher’s long premiership, when my then young children innocently asked, “Mummy, can a man be a prime minister?”

Today we acknowledge the loss of a woman who, in my opinion, put country and service ahead of self for 70 years. May her memory be for a blessing as we enter an era of uncertainty and instability. May her example guide our leaders to put country and service to the people ahead of self and party interest. We can but dream.