Just three days ago, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom left this earth. Her country, which she had served for over 70 years, (the longest of an UK monarch) is still experiencing the aftershocks. Everyone from the royal family to YouTube is mourning the loss of their Queen, who by many accounts was the most famous and popular monarch of her time. The news has resulted in an outpour of condolence from across the world; the Pope praised her “her example of devotion to duty,” and that he was “deeply saddened” by her passing. As the New York Times described US President Joe Biden’s reaction,
“[She was] more than a monarch,” [he said] in a statement after her death on Thursday, that the queen, who was 96, had borne witness to seven decades of “unprecedented human advancement and the forward march of human dignity.”
The queen, Mr. Biden said, “defined an era.”
Even the royalty of Saudi Arabia made a statement, saying, “Her majesty was a role model for leadership that will be immortalized in history… Her majesty was an example of wisdom, love and peace, and the world remembers today the great impact and the great deeds she did throughout her career.”
This massive show of support from across all the ponds shows just how beloved Queen Elizabeth was during her reign. She led the United Kingdom as it navigated into the uncertainty and change of the modern era. She skillfully maneuvered the nation through the Cold War, and numerous other conflicts. Until her dying day, she served her country to the best of her ability.
Her successor has been certified as her eldest son, King Charles III. Unfortunately, there is a fair share of controversy surrounding Charles. He, as you may remember, was the husband of beloved Princess Diana, until he had an affair with his now-wife Camilla and divorced Diana to be with her. Yikes. Not a great look for the royal family. It’s no surprise then, that some are not happy that King Charles is their new leader. He gave a televised speech yesterday, pledging to serve his people during his reign. He also provided an emotional but dignified description of his mother’s legacy, saying she “Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived, a promise with destiny kept.”
The speech may be done, but the mourning and remembrance will continue.
Her funeral is scheduled for September 19.
Well done, Reed. What do you think about the family drama with Harry and Megan? Do you think they will resolve their differences with the family. After all, Megan was not allowed to visit the Queen in her death bed.