Queen Elizabeth II has passed away at age 96. The monarch of the United Kingdom ruled from February 6th, 1952 through her death on September 8th, 2022.
Isn’t this Cleveland?
At Cleveland Vibes, we normally focus on Cleveland-specific content, but the queen’s passing affects people on a global level yet also on a personal, close to home level. For almost everyone, Elizabeth II was the only English monarch we have ever known. Her passing is emotional as she has served as the guiding light for the UK over the years.
Queen Elizabeth on a visit to Australia.
An Instuitution
Queen Elizabeth celebrated her Platinum Jubilee in June 2022 which recognized her 70-year reign. The throne will now be occupied by her son Charles whose official name will be King Charles III. King Charles, age 73, has waited to ascend to the throne longer than any other British monarch. He will step into very large shoes to fill and balance implementing his own ideas while honoring the past.
Elizabeth, Philip, Charles, and Anne.
Queen Elizabeth’s husband Prince Philip passed away in April 2021, which made him the longest serving consort (spouse to the monarch) to Elizabeth’s accession as queen on 6 February 1952. The quote below from the statement of President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on the Death of Queen Elizabeth II, says it all.
“Supported by her beloved Prince Philip for 73 years, Queen Elizabeth II led always with grace, an unwavering commitment to duty, and the incomparable power of her example.”
Yet another U.S. president Jimmy Carter echoed similar sentiments to President Biden and counted himself as one of the 14 American presidents who were in power during her reign.
“Her dignity, graciousness, and sense of duty have been an inspiration, and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader.”
A Faithful Public Servant
In addition to the 14 U.S presidents with whom she overlapped, she also worked with 15 United Kingdom prime ministers. Her unflappable character and dedication to public service is unmatched and her legacy will influence the world for years. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, issued the following quote regarding Queen Elizabeth’s passing.
Her extraordinary life and leadership will continue to inspire young women and girls in public service, now and for generations to come.
The close ties between the U.S. and the U.K. were maintained by Queen Elizabeth and while we are Clevelanders at heart, we can’t help but feel some sense of connection with our British counterparts.
My wife Laurel’s Instagram reel about the queen’s passing. Give her a follow @lostinlaurelland
Queen Elizabeth served as the monarch starting with Prime Minister Winston Churchill and ended serving with Prime Minister Liz Truss. An incredible journey as ruler of the British Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth was an unexpected leader when she was born.
Elizabeth was third in the line of succession to the British throne, behind her uncle Edward and her father. While it was interesting any time a member of the royal family was born, she was not expected to become queen. Her uncle Edward was young and likely to marry and have children of his own, who would precede Elizabeth in the line of succession. After Edward abdicated the throne which in turn forced her father to become king, the likelihood of her becoming queen went from unlikely to almost assured.
The People’s Queen
Sadly, I could find no record of Queen Elizabeth visiting Cleveland, but nevertheless, her resilience and love for her home, endears her to Clevelanders and non-Clevelanders alike. The new prime minister, Liz Truss, is a Browns fan and I can only assume Ms. Truss and the queen talked about whether the Browns can make the playoffs this year.
Queen Elizabeth II will be missed but her memory and legacy will extend far beyond September 2022. God Save the Queen.
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