The U.K. lost its longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, at age 96 on Thursday, Sept. 8.
To quote my father during discussion on the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II, “I guess I’ve been wrong both times now. I thought if anybody was going to make it to 100 it would be Betty White or Queen Elizabeth.”
With the late Queen having sitting on the throne for 70 years, she has gone down in history being the longest person to reign in the U.K. Some may argue that the longer someone is within a position of power, especially that of which is a monarchial reigning of the throne, the less supporters one may have.
Following the death of Princess Diana in 1997, controversies arose as to whether or not Prince Charles or Queen Elizabeth II were involved in her death. More recently, there was discussion of whether or not the queen approved of Prince Harry marrying former American actress Meghan Markle. Markle’s push against the status quo caused a divide between those in agreement with Markle, saying that it was time for a change, and those who stood by the traditions upheld by Queen Elizabeth II.
Oddly enough, there was a mix of reactions regarding the queen’s death spreading across the globe online. Even students at Bluffton University mourned and celebrated the life and death of Queen Elizabeth II, the controversy bleeding in and out of classroom discussions, lunch tables and through the walls of the residence halls.
Private social gatherings were allegedly held after the news of the queen’s passing on Sept 8. Whether the intent was to poke fun and celebrate the passing of the longest serving monarch of the U.K. or to celebrate her life and accomplishments is unclear.
Controversies aside, I believe it is important to acknowledge the mere historical change that has just occurred and what could come from the death of the queen. A woman that ruled over an entire kingdom—pun intended—for seven decades has passed on, leaving the United Kingdom in the hands of Prince, or now to be King Charles.
The world is in a constant state of disaster it feels like, and while some may focus on the idea of having a new queen/king as a refreshing sense of change or even celebrate, the reality is that Queen Elizabeth II is gone, and now the future of a monarchy so carefully weaved together for the past seven decades, or more is now in the hands of King Charles…yikes.
