A very sad time for the country.
I also recall, as an 8yr old in 1977 as part of the Jubilee Celebrations, when her motorcade came right past our front door, (Beach Road, South Shields) onto their way down to the seafront and we had all lined the streets in anticipation.
Myself (and the other ex-serviceman in the company) were proud to take the oath on our first day upon joining up "To serve Queen & Country".
I was also lucky to have visited a friend on the the Royal Yacht in 1991 (while it was in service) & have done so a few more times now that it's open to the public in Edinburgh & also Balmoral.
If you get the chance please go to see them - they're absolutely fantastic.