Queen Elizabeth has passed away.

a very sad day for a wonderful queen, mother, woman and fashionista
RIP
aloha

Stunning, sad news.

Always with a steady hand.

She will be missed.

Not shocking but still sad. The monarchy won't be the same that's for sure.

Very sad day.

Even having been a life long monarchist, I've still been surprised at the profound depth of sadness I've felt today. No matter how you may feel about the institution, no one can deny she was one of the greatest women of her time. The end of an era; the second Elizabethan age.

For our wonderful people on the forum from England. We, Americans, share your sadness

The BBC interrupted programs on TV to announce her death to viewers in this way:
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-21927209
A beautiful portrait of Her Majesty and a beautiful rendering of "God Save The Queen".

I'm fascinated by all the news articles I'm reading about all the work that has to be done behind the scenes after the mourning period is completed-Canada, Australia and New Zealand to name three will also have national days of mourning. For the first time in my lifetime, the Queen won't be on our coins as King Charles III will replace her. When it's time to renew my passport it will state "on behalf of his Majesty the King". New Canadians will swear an oath to the King instead of Queen. So many changes to be made behind the scenes.

Allen-was just thinking about the money. My mother's friend had given me some coins from her father's visit when King George was on the throne. All coins will now have Charles' face on them. But I here that coronations usually don't take place for months. I'd be surprised if Charles was crowned before 2023.

That said, I'm sure that many things are already planned and just have to be executed.

In 1952 it took around 6 months for new stamps to be produced and coins took until the next year. There was no portrait of the monarch on Bank of England banknotes before 1960 so there is no precedent there. The previous series only gets fully retired at the end of this month; I guess there is the option to continue with the present designs on the back and a new portrait on the front. Apparently the BoE will make an announcement once the period of mourning has been observed

@Marco-

Do you know why the bank notes added the Queen's portrait? I have some English banknotes(shillings) from the 1940s that don't have a monarch on the front.

I too feel the incredible sadness that others have mentioned. The loss of such a constant, reliable and strong presence in the world just adds to the current feeling of chaos.

A sad day indeed. Rest In Peace.

Do you know why the bank notes added the Queen's portrait?

They wanted to have a portrait of someone recognisable by all for anti-forgery purposes, rather than Britannia.

She took to the throne when I was a year old.

I’ve always admired her sense of duty. She has been a constant in my life.

My love of London and the British has, in part, been due to her reign.

Operation London Bridge began in the 60’s. The plans and procedures to be put in place at her death. The code for Queen Elisabeth’s death : London Bridge Is Down.

Greatly saddened to hear of her passing. End of an era.

Rest in Peace Your Majesty.

Amen to that, Tom_MN

It is a very sad day. upon hearing the news at work, I rushed home and immediately booked a flight. I want to be in England, in London during this time. I am so glad I did not miss the Queen's Jubilee this year. I am also thankful that I had airline points to use as a last-minute flight to London is not cheap.

Margaret

Elizabeth had a sense of humor about her fame and position. She loved to regale guests with a story about meeting two American tourists near her Scottish estate who failed to recognize her. When they asked where she lived, she responded London and added she had a holiday home on the other side of the hills, Balmoral Castle.
Then one of the hikers asked if she had ever met the queen. Elizabeth said she had not, but said her bodyguard, Richard Griffin, who was accompanying her, met the queen regularly.
When asked what the queen was like, Griffin said she could be cantankerous, but had a lovely sense of humor. The tourist asked for a picture with Griffin, which the queen took. Then she posed with the tourist
"I'd love to be a fly on the wall when he shows those photos to friends in America," said the queen afterward, according to Griffin.
https://www.npr.org/2022/09/08/507798969/queen-elizabeth-ii-dead-balmoral

A Wonderful Woman...

Does anyone know when Charles' coronation will be held? I booked a room for April/May of next year, wondering what to expect....
She was the best. Glad she didn't suffer, out walking with her Cogi very recently, I heard.
-Alison

Condolences to our UK friends on the passing of this great woman after so many years of steadfast devotion to duty and to her people. I remember watching her coronation on black/white TV as a child. We're all going to learn much more about Britain's royal traditions in the months to come, and the value of a unifying and admired national figure, something Americans have sadly lacked for a long time. King Charles' reign will surely be much shorter than his mother's, but I hope it is a successful one that reflects the admirable qualities of the British people.

Condolences to our British and Commonwealth members. What a fascinating lady she was.

Margaret, I am so glad you will make it home - and that you were there for the Jubilee.

I am feeling so sad. I feel as if a bright light has gone out in our world. She was an amazing person, woman, leader and example for her family.

Does anyone know when Charles' coronation will be held?

They are typically 12-18 months after accession, in warmer months (May-September).

George VI was an exception, with him being crowned only 6 months after coming to the throne but that was the day originally intended for his brother's coronation. “Same date, but different king” is what George VI is reported as having said.

"I am feeling so sad. I feel as if a bright light has gone out in our world."
Well said, Andi.

Watching the lovely prayer service at St Paul's.
Nothing sadder than the sound of a bagpipe.
And the first time for "God Save the King" in 70 years. 😢

We just came from 4 days in NYC, and a loooong visit to the 9/ll museum.
Watching that dignified piper pacing slowly up the aisle at the cathedral, I'm reminded of the sound of pipes that accompanied the funerals of so, so many first responders.

The final Jubilee 'Sunday Organ Recital' at Westminster included 5 instrumentals. By far, the most well-received by the audience was 'Farewell to Stromness.' It slayed the other pieces in terms of emotional connection, as proved by how the crowd ignored the 'don't applaud til the end' rule (I was one of them). The pamphlet indicated that the Queen had played a role in selecting the various organ music across the several concerts.

That melancholy old Scot theme proved to be rather prophetic, both for Britain and also for my family.
I am done. the dual passings

Do not click on the above link by "khoka." It has nothing to do with England. Reported.

She’s been laid to rest in St George’s chapel at Windsor. Stunning funeral with brilliant coverage on BBC World News. They let the pictures tell the story.
Didn’t blab.

Rest in Peace Your Majesty!