The events of the past week have definitely been discombobulating for all of us. Even those who don’t consider themselves royalists might share at the very least some feelings of distraction. The reality is that we are living through a significant moment in history and the death of the Queen and all of its consequences are dominating every media channel. It is therefore completely natural to be unsettled and sidetracked.

In fact, I think it would be rather peculiar to remain steadfastly untouched by rolling images of a family’s grief alongside public outpourings of sympathy. You should take some comfort in being part of this collective experience as that is the route to get you through the next few weeks as the story continues to unfold. Personally, I was intrigued by the controversy about some sporting fixtures such as football matches being cancelled out of respect for the late Queen and her family. Those other events that did go ahead as planned – such as cricket, rugby and racing – seemed to me to provide the perfect platform for fans to come together. TV showed imagery of crowds expressing their empathy with the royal family, be this through singing the national anthem, wearing black armbands or obeying a minute’s silence. These scenes reminded me that there is something remarkably uplifting, comforting and healing about joining like-minded people and being encouraged to share emotions. It’s what many throughout history have recognised, from churches to concert performers to Alcoholics Anonymous. As the latter has always espoused, comparing and sharing emotions is a form of therapy.

Honest Boss: “I’m struggling to concentrate at work after the Queen’s death. What should I do?”