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Wales Online
Wales Online
Lifestyle
Eve Rowlands

Dan Walker's touching message about grief as celebrities pay tribute to the Queen

As the funeral of the longest reigning British monarch took over proceedings on the bank holiday Monday (September 19) thousands gathered to see the procession in London, at home and also, stars across the globe have been taking to their social media to pay their respects to a historical figure whose reign spanned over 70 years, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

One of whom includes former BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker, who not only touched on the Her Majesty's funeral, but on grief - something that has rippled throughout the country since the Queen's death on Thursday, September 8 - and lonliness in such times.

Taking to Twitter, the ex-Strictly celebrity wrote, referencing a cartoon picture The Times had published showing an elderly gentleman in his living room alone: "What a powerful cartoon from @thetimes. I spoke to a woman on my way into work today still grieving the loss of someone in her own family. Today has brought it all back.

Read more: BBC Shetland star blasted for Queen's coffin 'conspiracy theory'

"Funerals are hard. We can all look out for the lonely #funeral #queensfuneral."

In response to a comment on this particular tweet, the 45-year-old presenter added: "... it’s a good thing to commit to ringing 2 or 3 people who might be on their own today. That’s what I’ll be doing. It doesn’t take much to make a difference."

He joins a whole host of British celebrities who, on this day of mourning, have posted messages of condolences and thanks to the queen on Instagram and Twitter.

Lorraine and Good Morning Britain GP Dr Amir Khan wrote a tweet citing a similar message to Dan. It read: "Morning. A day of reflection. A day that will be difficult for many who have lost their own loved ones. Grief is the price we pay for love, however you’re feeling, know you’re not alone."

Radio and television presenter Fearne Cotton posted two photos on Instagram which showed her meeting the Queen. She wrote: "Two photos I'll always treasure. In photo number one I'm pregnant with Honey, so she kind of met Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth too (which Hon is very happy about).

"As @simonpegg said in his post [upon the news of her death], its hard not to get a little self-indulgent in these posts but both occasions meeting the Queen were surreal and impactful and ones I won't forget.

"Rest In peace "

Amanda Holden, Matt Baker - who posted a video of himself painting a picture of a Beefeater "as a thank you" - Luke Evans, Lorraine Kelly, Strictly dancer James Jordan and Kate Beckinsale were also among those paying their respects online.

Kate Beckinsale wrote: "Fly safe,Ma’am. Goodnight and god bless xxx", and Torchwood star, John Barrowman added: "Thank you Ma’am #queenelizabeth" before signing it off with "John Barrowman M.B.E”

Lorraine Kelly took to Twitter to say of the funeral coverage: "This is perfect and so dignified #QueenElizabethIIMemorial"

Love Island star Chris Hughes also wrote: "Your sense of humour, personality, kindness, commitment and endured passion of horse racing will forever live on. Rest peacefully and thank you for everything Ma’am"

Former X Factor presenter Kate Thornton, alongside a picture of her meeting the queen, wrote a quote from Her Majesty herself in recent times. It read: "'Never give up. Never despair. When life seems hard the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat, instead they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.


“But it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change. While we may have more still to endure, better days will return. We will be with our friends again. We will be with our families again. We will meet again.' Queen Elizabeth II.

"Thank you for everything Ma’am X"

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