Thank you, Ma’am

The world mourns for Queen Elizabeth II

It’s been a week of national sadness, and the world continues to mourn for Queen Elizabeth II, who died peacefully at her Balmoral home on 8 September, aged 96, with her family by her side. Her eldest son Charles – who takes over the throne as King Charles III – called her death “a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family”.

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,” he said.

As the longest-serving monarch in British history, the Queen – whose reign began when she was 25 in 1952, following the death of her father George VI – has been the rock of our nation for over 70 years, heralded for her unwavering devotion to royal duty for seven decades. “My whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service,” she pledged. Elizabeth II celebrated her Platinum Jubilee in June, having seen 15 Prime Ministers throughout her reign, including Britain’s new leader Liz Truss, who she met at Balmoral two days before her death.

World leaders paid tribute to the Queen. French president Emmanuel Macron hailed her as the “Queen of hearts” who “embodied the unity of the British nation”, while Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said she “was one of my favourite people in the world”. Her legacy will never be forgotten, with her four children, eight grandchildren and greatgrandchildren continuing her work. Thank you, Ma’am.