After 70 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, passed away on Thursday. She was a symbol of stability during a turbulent time marked by the fall of the British empire and chaos within her own family. She was 96.
She passed away at Balmoral Castle, her Scottish vacation home, where members of the royal family had hurried to her aid when her health started to deteriorate, according to the palace.
She was the only monarch that the majority of Britons had ever known, serving as a link to the nearly extinct generation who fought in World War II.
Prince Charles, her 73-year-old son, officially became monarch and will go by the name King Charles III. Former British kings and queens have chosen new names after ascending to the throne. Camilla, Charles' second wife, will be referred to as the Queen Consort.
After the prescribed 10 days of mourning, a funeral was to be arranged.
When Elizabeth's death was announced, the BBC played the national anthem, "God Save the Queen," over a portrait of her dressed in all her splendor. As the second Elizabethan era came to an end, the flag over Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-staff.
Her loss will have a profound and unanticipated effect on both the country and the monarchy, an institution she helped modernize and preserve through decades of significant societal upheaval and personal scandals, but whose applicability in the twenty-first century has frequently been questioned.
The public's enduring love for the queen has contributed to keeping the monarchy popular despite scandals. Charles is not nearly as well-liked.
Charles expressed his family's "most sadness" on his mother's passing in a statement, adding that "her loss will be keenly felt throughout the UK, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless individuals around the world."
A new prime minister, an energy crisis, double-digit inflation, the conflict in Ukraine, and the consequences of Brexit are all present in Britain at the time of the changing of the guard.
Leaders from throughout the world expressed their sympathies and honored the queen.
No comments:
Post a Comment