The Queen’s Reign Ends

On September 8th, 202 2 Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully at her Scottish estate Balmoral leaving the United Kingdom devastated. At 96 years old, Queen Elizabath now stands as the longest serving monarch –reigning for 70 years. Since the queen’s death, many citizens sent condolences to the royal family and paid their respects to the queen for her service Around the UK, many street billboards, signs, pictures and memorials of the queen adorned the city while some of those in mourning laid flowers outside of Buckingham Palace for the royal family. King Charless III, the queen’s son, shares, “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much loved mother,” Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne on June 2nd of 1952; the beginning of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II tried to maintain the image of the crown and family, and she became an admirable leader in the UK and around the globe. Clive Irving, the author of “The Last Queen: How Queen Elizabeth II Saved the Monarchy” writes, “She has throughout her reign managed to make people feel that she is the spirit and the soul of the country,” Queen Elizabeth, a crucial part in maintaining the UK as a constitutional monarchy, strived to become an unproblematic model by avoiding making any offensive or controversial comments throughout her reign. The Queen always showed compassion during times of conflict making her an exemplary leader and humanitarian. Throughout her reign, the Queen visited 117 countries; many of her trips focused on creating allies and friendships with multiple countries (Bangladesh, France, Mexico, Turkey, Germany, Netherlands); hence, raising the UK’s image. Additionally, Queen Elizabeth visited the United States, making the US their closest ally during conflicts. Not only did she enhance the UK’s image but she also supported many charities

including the British Red Cross, the Disaster Emergency Committee, Friends of the Elderly, Girl Guiding, and Cancer Research UK. 

After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles ascended to the throne. Nicoletta Gullace, an associate professor of history at the University of New Hampshire who specializes in modern British history states, “After a short period of grieving and official condolences for the family, King Charles will embark on a tour of the U.K. prior to the funeral, visiting Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales,”