King Charles III was well ahead of his time. He highlighted the needs of the environment and ecology in the 1970 and 80s. When trees fall down in the woodlands around Balmoral Castle, King Charles has them removed by horse, causing less damage to the remaining woodland.

He has an eco-friendly house at Highgrove House with solar panels on the roof; in winter it is heated by wood-fuelled biomass boilers. The house and gardens are chemical-free and food waste makes compost. There is also a wildflower meadow, kitchen garden and sundial garden, and the plants are watered with collected rainwater and leftover bathwater.

In 1990 he set up an organic food brand that supports the King’s charities. He also highlighted the needs of young people, setting up the Prince’s Trust in 1976, which has done amazing work for those from more disadvantaged backgrounds. This has helped more than a million people change their lives for the better.

He has learnt from a wise mother, saying: “Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept… that promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.”

As we approach lots of celebrations around the Reepham and Wensum Valley Team Churches area, we remember his words “in the ability of each person to touch, with goodness and compassion, the lives of others and to shine a light in the world around them”.

Whether we are royalists or not, this is a time as a nation to come together and help each other, to volunteer on Monday and to share food together on Sunday and enjoy each other’s company.

There will be church celebration services on Sunday 7 May at 10.30 am in Weston Longville, Reepham and Elsing.

Revd Helen Rengert, Team Rector, Reepham and Wensum Valley Team Churches