A LIFELONG royalist is deeply saddened at the death of Her Majesty the Queen - but stressed that the monarchy goes on.

Judith Watkinson, 75, of Yeadon, has been a fan of the monarchy and Queen Elizabeth II her entire life.

She was devastated after hearing the news but - like many across the nation - was buoyed by the sight of huge crowds welcoming King Charles III back to Buckingham Palace, where he received heartfelt condolences from the public.

She said: "I’m just really sad but the monarchy goes on. God save the King.

“Although she was 96, it was still a huge shock.

“I hope she rests in peace, she’s done a brilliant job

“The strange thing is that after 70 years as queen, the next time we sing the national anthem, we’ll sing God save the King and it just won’t feel the same.

I don’t think she’s ever put a foot wrong, and we owe her a debt for what she’s done for us.

"All these prime ministers and presidents come, and they go but not the monarch. She was consistently there."

Judith was lucky enough to be invited to the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Place and has her invite framed.

She added: “I’ve been a fan of royals my whole life.

“My mum was a royalist and she always bought us books about the royals so it rubbed off on me.

“You don’t see this kind of monarchy anywhere else in the world.

“People come from all over to see the queen, they see the palace the queen is residing in.

“Nowhere does ceremonies like us, they just can’t.”

Judith went all out to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in July, with a party in the car park of her building.

“My son made me a special shirt and we had games and a buffet.

“I’m glad she reached the Platinum Jubilee.

“It was sad watching the coverage, but it was lovely to look back on it all.”

Over the years, Judith has collected a whole range of memorabilia, including cups, coins and stamps.

Over the years Judith, who lives in Yeadon, has collected hundreds of Royal-themed items ranging from teapots to teddy bears, crockery, tablecloths and thimbles.