The Coronation and the weekend of festivities that followed was a remarkable moment in all our lives. Whether you are a staunch monarchist or not, the transition from the second Elizabethan to the third Carolean age will be a moment we will all remember, coming as it does at the end of a tumultuous period in our national story.

In Andover and across North West Hampshire, the turning of the page in our history book was marked with dozens of joyful parties and community events. Juliana and I took the kids to the Ashmansworth party - a lovely afternoon complete with hog roast and hotly contested tug-o-war. From the highest parish in Hampshire, we shouted a very hearty three cheers for the King.

But a coronation is about more than just the person who sits on the throne. For many it’s also a moment to restate our sense of national pride and togetherness. As an island people with an ancient democracy, we have been largely adept at moving through a changing world, and the changes between this joyful coronation and that of her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth, seemed comfortable too. For me they pointed to a country which cleaves strongly to its history, and which values a sense of continuity, but which does not fear the future, rather embracing it with enthusiasm.

As the flags are lowered, and the buntings put away, I hope, like me, you can feel a renewed sense of optimism for our country and the development of some perspective on recent events. We’ve all been through a lot these last few years, and times are still tough for many, but the crowning of a new King will have brought the sense that brighter days are on the way.

I’m always optimistic about our country, and the lovely part of it which I am privileged to represent, and now at the start of a new national chapter, it’s my duty to help deliver on the promise of the coming century. God Save the King.