During the Platinum Jubilee debate in the House of Commons, James spoke about Her Majesty The Queen's affection for Sandringham and the how she is loved in Norfolk.
Text of speech
"Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
I rise to support this Humble Address to Her Majesty The Queen.
And in doing so I am mindful that while all my constituents are important, The Queen is undoubtedly the most special…
Sandringham in my North West Norfolk constituency has long been held in strong affection by the Royal Family
With George V describing “Dear old Sandringham, the place I love better than anywhere else in the world”.
Having ascended to the Throne at the age of 21, The Queen has lived her life in the public eye.
But it is Sandringham that offers a retreat and a place for family gatherings where she can enjoy privacy, relaxation, and of course her country pursuits.
And it was Sandringham where the Duke of Edinburgh, who played an immensely important role in supporting Her Majesty chose to spend his time when he retired from public life enjoying the sanctuary to read, paint, and entertain.
The continuity the Sandringham Estate has provided through four generations means her Norfolk’s home occupies a unique place in the Queen’s affections.
Her love of horses has been well-remarked upon in this debate and a racehorse stud was first established there by Edward VII.
The Queen’s expertise is demonstrated by her successes on the turf…
Just last weekend one of her horses, King’s Lynn, was a winner at Haydock Park and is expected to now run at Royal Ascot next month with bookies recently offering odds at 14/1…
Although it is foremost a family home, perhaps known most famously to the public for the Christmas Day walk to St Mary Magdalene church, Her Majesty is much loved in the villages around Sandringham and is a very special part of those communities.
Communities who let the Royal Family go about their lives without fuss. Indeed, famously one day in Norfolk a shop assistant told her:
"You look just like the Queen." To which the Queen is said to have replied: "How reassuring."
Her Majesty is a stalwart of that other constant in our Nation – the Women’s Institute having been a member of the Sandringham branch since 1943 and President since 2003.
A few years ago, as they marked their centenary the branch took part in a version of the tv quiz show Pointless with the Queen, naturally, leading her team to victory.
On that occasion she said
"Of course, every generation faces fresh challenges and opportunities. As we look for new answers in the modern age, I for one prefer the tried and tested recipes, like speaking well of each other and respecting different points of view; coming together to seek out the common ground; and never losing sight of the bigger picture."
Those words capture the essence of Her Majesty’s The Queen’s dignified approach to leading our Nation over the last 70 years.
Across West Norfolk, the Queen is much loved and to mark this extraordinary year…
…beacons will be lit
…there will be a musical Royal Salute involving over 1,000 schoolchildren and adults
…as well as new trails opening up areas of special interest to the Queen
…and much more.
A fitting way to honour her continuing remarkable service to our country."
