Prelude for a Royal Swan was composed especially for my husband, Simon, to play on the organ, as a reflection at the opening of the morning service at Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh, on the 6th February 2022, thus marking the 70th Anniversary of the Accession to the Throne of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Canongate Kirk serves Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle, and the late Queen herself, as well as other members of the royal household, have followed in the footsteps of bygone generations, in attending the Kirk for worship. In August 2023, Prelude for a Royal Swan was played there in the presence of HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, and the work has been featured on Radio 3 Breakfast as well as on several occasions on RNZ Concert.

With an undulating accompaniment flowing through different harmonies, the expansive melody seeks to portray the beauty, dignity and unwavering commitment of the late Queen.