By Mia Kerner
The Queen of England has died.
Queen Elizabeth II died Thursday, Sept. 8 at age 96. She reigned for 70 years and was the second-longest reigning monarch in history following King Louis XIV of France, who reigned a mere two years longer.
England and the United Kingdom will continue to mourn and reflect on one of their most recognizable figures in history. Tributes to Queen Elizabeth II, who was born in 1926, are pouring out from all over the world, commemorating her astounding reign.
In King Charles III’s national address, he shared that, “In a little over a week’s time we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and indeed a global community, to lay my beloved mother to rest. In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example.”
Turning his attention to the public, he continues, “On behalf of all my family, I can only offer the most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your condolences and support. They mean more to me than I can ever possibly express.”
In the weeks to come, “Official engagements will be canceled and union flags will be flown at half-mast on royal residences, government buildings, across the Armed Forces and on U.K. posts overseas. Members of Parliament will pay tribute to the queen and take an oath to King Charles. There will be church bells tolling and gun salutes as local and national organizations and charities organize ways to pay their respects, with commemorative events and books of condolence.”
As King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla prepared to address the nation, many individuals on social media have expressed their disappointment that Diana, Princess of Wales, will not be taking the throne. The “People’s Princess,” who divorced from Charles in 1996, was a globally beloved personality who was “The Queen of People’s Hearts,” as she dedicated her life to being a compassionate mother and humanitarian. After her passing in 1997, England mourned the queen that might have been.
England now looks to the future, juggling the sorrow of Queen Elizabeth’s passing and the transition of power between the monarchs.
