Editorial Desk :
Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-reigning monarch, died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday afternoon at the age of 96. Her death, which was anticipated, has left an atmosphere of sadness not only in Britain, but in the Commonwealth and the world outside as well. King Charles III, who became the new monarch immediately, said that his mother’s death was a moment of “greatest sadness for me and all members of my family”.
People in the UK loved their Queen very dearly and, in respect to her death, they are leaving flowers and personal tributes outside palaces and churches in huge numbers.
In the kingdom, a 10-day national mourning has been declared and leaders of the nations around the world have also expressed condolences at the death of this magnificent lady who headed not just the UK, but 14 other countries as well, including Australia, Canada and Jamaica. Australia has declared a 14-day mourning for the late Queen. After hearing the news of her death, a minute’s silence was observed at the UN Security Council. Bangladesh, a member of the British Commonwealth, also declared a three-day mourning for the late Queen.
Married to Prince Phillip and mother of four children, Elizabeth II came to the British throne in 1952, and is described to have steered British monarchy through turbulent times, as Britain’s Empire ended and its place in the world fundamentally changed. She earned respect for understanding and quiet presence of affinity.
The newly-elected UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, whom the Queen had sworn in to office in the week before her death at Balmoral, described Queen Elizabeth II as “the rock upon which modern Britain was built”.
Queen Elizabeth constitutionally did not play any role publicly but the system
of monarchy in the UK is such that because of her neutrality she was a great influence through frequent obligatory private consultations with the prime minister.
Her love for humanity and unity among people won the minds and hearts of the people world over.
For her decency and selfless service to her people, she was held in high esteem. She was an embodiment of the message of goodwill and unity for the world.
