Rail Business Daily managing director Chris Leech reflects on the passing of the Queen and his fond recollection of meeting the Royals
The loss of Her Majesty will mean many things to many people. Her Majesty brought the nation together, and in her passing the nation will be side by side in celebrating an incredible 70 years on the throne.
As I listened to the tributes and memories of those she met, I recalled my own fond recollection of meeting Her Majesty and other Royals.
In 2007 I was awarded the MBE for my services to reducing youth route crime across UK Rail. HRH Prince Charles presented me my honour at Buckingham Palace. Ironically it would be only five years later I started to work for HRH as Head of Transport portfolio at Business in the community which is his largest charity.
My role was to encourage business leaders to use their power responsibly and focus on the four pillars of sustainability, environment, marketplace, community and workplace.
During my time I would regularly meet HRH and others, including Her Majesty at charity events. Their passion and grace to engage leaders on the responsible business agenda was truly inspiring and you could not help but to feel valued.
I worked on events such as the first Invictus Games, annual dinners and of course Royal Ascot. One of my proudest moments was when I filled the Royal Albert Hall with business leaders from across our entire transport sector. The then Prince Charles beamed with joy as he addressed his audience, highlighting his passion for all things rail.
When I left his employment in 2016, his private secretary emailed me and asked if I had any ideas on how we could replicate HM Queens 90th birthday celebrations being planned for the Mall. Instantly I responded by suggesting that we could host events across the network at railway stations.
Our stations are not only gateways but we’re and are still today hubs of our communities. With HM approval Station to Station Queens celebrations were born and within 10 weeks we had 105 stations across the UK take part raising thousands of pounds for local charities and in doing so highlighting UK Rails collective social purpose.
Fast track six years and once again UK rail proudly played our part in celebrating HM Queens Platinum Jubilee with 75 stations taking part in community celebrations and once again raising thousands of pounds for our industry charities through the Jubilee commemorative brochure.
This brochure serves to highlight once again our social purpose and I with all proceeds going to our amazing charities I would urge everyone connected to UK rail to buy one.
Thankfully HM received her copy shortly after the jubilee weekend and it was gracefully received.
I would like to thank Her Majesty for serving the nation for 70 years with pride and integrity. The Queen was an inspiration to everyone, particularly those in the railways, most recently in May visiting Paddington station in order to mark the completion of the new Elizabeth line before it opened to the public.
On behalf of everyone at Rail Business Daily I’d like to send my condolences to the Royal Family and pass on thanks to the Queen for her efforts. Her Majesty led from the front, helping us all through the tough times and the happier times.
Photo credit: Network Rail
