Queen's Death Affects People Differently Everything
The death of the historic royal monarch, Queen Elizabeth II is recognized throughout the world.
By Jocelyn Cosgrove
The death of the historic royal monarch, Queen Elizabeth II is recognized throughout the world.
By Jocelyn Cosgrove
The world was shocked to hear that on the morning of Sept. 8, Queen Elizabeth II had died at Scotland’s Balmoral Castle after ruling the United Kingdom and other commonwealths for 70 years.
Eleven days later, on Sept. 19, the Queen’s funeral was held at Westminster Abbey where the royal family, the heads of states and foreign leaders gathered to celebrate the 96 year-old monarch’s life. During her 70-year reign, the Queen appointed 15 prime ministers as well as handled various conflicts throughout Great Britain and the world.
History department chair Mike Burrell feels that the Queen’s death wasn’t much of a shock, but more of a sense of amazement to see the transition of power.
“It is interesting to see history being made in front of us as the longest ruling monarch in England's history, almost 1,000 years, passes away,” said Burrell.
For many, the Queen represented a lot more than just the United Kingdom’s ruler. Pioneer’s former assistant principal of instruction, current Willow Glen High Principal Amy Hanna, feels as though the Queen’s reign represented a sense of stability for many around the world.
“Her Majesty's death means the end of an era, the end of a beautiful life that touched people all over the world, beyond Great Britain and the Commonwealth,” said Hanna. “Her death has created a void. The hole in our hearts is something that is real and present.”
On the contrary, Maya Lewis, 11, whose father is from the UK, feels the queen hasn’t represented a lot for herself and others.
“She’s a tourist attraction, used to bring in people and money,” said Lewis.
Burrell feels like the Queen represented something different for each individual person and country.
“The British royals have a very complicated history. For many, her death is a sad time. For 15 countries, she is the only monarch people have known,” said Burrell. “For some countries, she still represents British imperialism and the enslavement of millions so they have a very different impression of her death.”
After World War II and the death of her father, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II assumed the throne in 1952 when she was only 25-years-old. Since taking on the role at such a young age, Hanna acknowledges the Queen had to learn her job as a monarch on her own without much preparation and time.
“She had to learn the job quickly and did not have females in leadership roles at the time to lean on for support or guidance. Hence, she was a woman thrust into a ‘man's’ job without preparation or examples. She made her way on her own and defined her reign on her own terms,” said Hanna.
With every monarch, there are many highs and lows throughout their reign. Queen Elizabeth II had her fair share of both through her time as a ruler.
“She helped steady the country through the Cold War, decolonization, the Troubles and the EU to name a few. She also is head of a state that built much of its wealth on imperialism and slavery,” said Burrell.
As the world bids a final goodbye to the longtime ruler, many look back on the ruler’s life and what she contributed to society.
“We are learning from how she lived her life, how she served her people and how she always managed to bring hope, laughter and care to the world. It will take time for all of us to know a world where she is no longer present,” said Hanna. “The monarchy lives on through King Charles III, who had over 70 years to serve as her heir and to learn from her fine example.”
Eleven days later, on Sept. 19, the Queen’s funeral was held at Westminster Abbey where the royal family, the heads of states and foreign leaders gathered to celebrate the 96 year-old monarch’s life. During her 70-year reign, the Queen appointed 15 prime ministers as well as handled various conflicts throughout Great Britain and the world.
History department chair Mike Burrell feels that the Queen’s death wasn’t much of a shock, but more of a sense of amazement to see the transition of power.
“It is interesting to see history being made in front of us as the longest ruling monarch in England's history, almost 1,000 years, passes away,” said Burrell.
For many, the Queen represented a lot more than just the United Kingdom’s ruler. Pioneer’s former assistant principal of instruction, current Willow Glen High Principal Amy Hanna, feels as though the Queen’s reign represented a sense of stability for many around the world.
“Her Majesty's death means the end of an era, the end of a beautiful life that touched people all over the world, beyond Great Britain and the Commonwealth,” said Hanna. “Her death has created a void. The hole in our hearts is something that is real and present.”
On the contrary, Maya Lewis, 11, whose father is from the UK, feels the queen hasn’t represented a lot for herself and others.
“She’s a tourist attraction, used to bring in people and money,” said Lewis.
Burrell feels like the Queen represented something different for each individual person and country.
“The British royals have a very complicated history. For many, her death is a sad time. For 15 countries, she is the only monarch people have known,” said Burrell. “For some countries, she still represents British imperialism and the enslavement of millions so they have a very different impression of her death.”
After World War II and the death of her father, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II assumed the throne in 1952 when she was only 25-years-old. Since taking on the role at such a young age, Hanna acknowledges the Queen had to learn her job as a monarch on her own without much preparation and time.
“She had to learn the job quickly and did not have females in leadership roles at the time to lean on for support or guidance. Hence, she was a woman thrust into a ‘man's’ job without preparation or examples. She made her way on her own and defined her reign on her own terms,” said Hanna.
With every monarch, there are many highs and lows throughout their reign. Queen Elizabeth II had her fair share of both through her time as a ruler.
“She helped steady the country through the Cold War, decolonization, the Troubles and the EU to name a few. She also is head of a state that built much of its wealth on imperialism and slavery,” said Burrell.
As the world bids a final goodbye to the longtime ruler, many look back on the ruler’s life and what she contributed to society.
“We are learning from how she lived her life, how she served her people and how she always managed to bring hope, laughter and care to the world. It will take time for all of us to know a world where she is no longer present,” said Hanna. “The monarchy lives on through King Charles III, who had over 70 years to serve as her heir and to learn from her fine example.”