Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022, in Balmoral Castle, United Kingdom. She had the longest reign of any British monarch, lasting over 70 years and 214 days. It has been recorded as the longest of any female head of state in history.
The news of her death has shocked the UK including those who live outside the country. Britain has a 10-day plan after a monarch passes away called Operation London Bridge. The 10 days before the queen’s funeral are planned out. After her death, his or her replacement takes over immediately in this case being new king Charles.
Those in the UK are mourning their former queen and for many, the queen’s funeral was a moment of realization.
“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held,” the new king, Charles, has said.
King Charles has not been the only person to come out and address how he’s feeling after his mother’s death.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson also shared his thoughts in a tweet, “This is our country’s saddest day.” After news broke out confirming Queen Elizabeth’s death, people decided to show their support for her family by leaving flowers outside the castle and sharing their condolences.
The queen had many accomplishments during her time as a leader which include being the first British monarch to address Congress and made a speech centered on continuing cooperation and a unity of interests and with that speech.
In her time as Queen, she also supported many charities. She supported more than 600 charities in Britain and was responsible for raising close to $2 billion. The queen took supporting charities very seriously because she truly wanted to help reduce poverty.
Royal Patrons of charities are a big deal because eventually, they get more attention and more support. Queen Elizabeth ensured that these charities are always supported by the monarchy. One huge accomplishment, the way people will remember her, is as the longest-serving monarch in English history.
Queen Elizabeth II was the monarch of 15 countries in the Commonwealth that are home to around 150 million people. Many people will remember her time as queen as a time of change and accomplishments while others will remember it as a time of tragedy.
“Let us not take ourselves too seriously. None of us has a monopoly on wisdom.”
“When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.”
Written by Staff Writer, Tyra Galeana
Photo Credits: ABC News