OT: Queen Elizabeth's Health (UPDATE: Queen Elizabeth II Has Died At 96)

Submitted by VCavman24 on September 8th, 2022 at 12:04 PM

EDIT: Updating the existing thread - she has passed. I know some people won't care, but some of us do for various reasons - LSA

It is looking like this may be the end for Queen Elizabeth after 70 years.  Nearly all of her immediate family has flown up to see her in Balmoral Castle in Scotland, while Buckingham Palace says she is "comfortable."  The BBC newscasters have been wearing black, and they recently suspended their news programs until 6:00 p.m.  All of that put together seems to indicate this might be the end of her remarkable run.

I realize this might be way OT, but Queen Elizabeth is one of the most recognizable people in the world and has been monarch for almost all of our entire lives.  This seems like major enough news to warrant a post.

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Queen Elizabeth

SD Larry

September 8th, 2022 at 2:18 PM ^

Truly an amazing life and Queen since WWII.  She will be missed and not forgotten.  I think she greeted 15 Prime Ministers there if not mistaken, including the latest this Monday. RIP Your Highness. 

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LSAClassOf2000

September 8th, 2022 at 2:46 PM ^

It's rather remarkable to think about the world as it is when she ascended to the throne - a world still visibly scarred from the Second World War, still rebuilding (fun fact: although rationing ended in the mid-50s, price controls that grew out of rationing lasted into the 1980s in Britain - cheese production in particular was affected), and then compare it to the world she just left and think about how much change she has lived through and reigned through. From her days as a subaltern in WWII to today, that is quite a life.

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True Blue Grit

September 8th, 2022 at 2:47 PM ^

God rest her soul.  None of us can imagine what it's like to be born into a life of public service like she was, where she can never go out in public without being mobbed or scrutinized.  Every day has constant obligations that never end.  She seemed to be completely dedicated to her role for 70+ years.  Heck, she just met with the new prime minister 2 days ago!  

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Amazinblu

September 8th, 2022 at 5:33 PM ^

Years ago, I happened to be in London - and, was just walking around, not too far from Buckingham Palace.  A lot of people were out - and, I just waited for a few minutes to see what was going on.

Well, it happened to be a day when the Queen was addressing Parliament.  She rode from Buckingham Palace in a Royal coach - horse drawn carriage.  I was close enough to capture a photo of Queen Elizabeth in the coach.

The pageantry was extremely impressive.  And, I do believe the Queen, over her life, earned the admiration, support, and endearment - of many in Great Britain, the UK, and the world.

She served her country - and her people.  What she did throughput her life could fill volumes about how to lead.

I wonder whether her successors will be as appreciated as a leader - or symbol - as she was.  

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Amazinblu

September 9th, 2022 at 7:51 AM ^

Beta - we talk about character in certain threads.  She possessed it.

I’m quite sure she could have said “Daddy, it’s a good idea for Mummy, Margaret, and me to stay in the countryside.” When London was being shelled during the Battle of Britain.  But, she did not.

It doesn’t seem like many world leaders really understand what serving their country is about.

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Perkis-Size Me

September 8th, 2022 at 6:50 PM ^

I’m curious how the monarchy progresses from here. While the power of the monarchy has dwindled severely over the last century and really is more of a ceremonial relic of the past, Elizabeth was by and large well liked and respected by the people. 

It doesn’t seem like Charles commands that same level of respect with the people.  Does William? I don’t know. But even if he does I doubt it’s to the universal level that Elizabeth had. 

The monarchy really just doesn’t provide a lot of tangible value or direction at this point, so what happens now when you establish it with a figurehead that people don’t really like?

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Morelmushrooms

September 8th, 2022 at 7:55 PM ^

Many of the crass comments on here illustrate why she was so great- she served with class and dignity for 70 yrs. through naysayers, modernity, and unbelievable historical events. Perseverance. we could only be so lucky to have such a person here in the states. A bedrock in a time of upheaval would be nice to have in the states right now; wouldn’t it?

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jmblue

September 8th, 2022 at 9:01 PM ^

The problem is that you need the right person in the role, and in a hereditary monarchy, that's far from certain.  Elizabeth was personally popular, but some other members of her family aren't, and Charles' popularity is middling. 

The UK is very lucky her Nazi sympathizer of an uncle didn't stay on the throne.  And thank goodness Andrew wasn't the heir this time around.

Our republic has its share of issues, but having an elected head of state and limiting him/her to two terms aren't among them, IMO.

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treetown

September 8th, 2022 at 9:36 PM ^

Her passing marks the end of an era. When she became queen, the British Empire was being dismantled and in many ways she is the last vestige of an imperial era starting with Queen Victoria.

Her real world impact will be debated, and we might see it assessed in the coming years. Tourism to the UK is a major industry and seeing the pomp associated with the crown intrigues many - will Charles and his heirs be able to maintain that level of interest?

Also some movements who were not as active in part out of deference to her may now see a free hand: Scottish and Welsh independence for example were once treated as a fringe notion but after Brexit, those ideas have gained traction and with her passing as a national figure, they might be strengthened. Likewise, the movement to make some countries republics and shed their last imperial links (e.g. Canada with a Governor General, Australia, etc.) might also gain impetus.

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