The Queen passes away in Scotland

The world is in mourning with the unexpected death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral in Scotland at the age of 96.

 

The passing of Her Majesty surprised the nations who had just witnessed her engaging with the new Prime Minister of the UK, Liz Truss just a few days earlier.  Although The Queen had not looked as fit as she could have been, she seemed as sparkling as ever.  Few could have guessed what was to happen on Thursday, 8 September 2022.

 

As her family made their way swiftly to Balmoral amidst rumours of a sudden deterioriation in the monarch’s health, the national anthem was then heard on television.  It was the tragic news that symbolised the sad end of the flamboyant life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.  A seemingly eternal reign of seven decades that was joyfully celebrated with a Platinum Jubilee in June of this year.

 

In memory of The Queen’s loyal and dedicated service to Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to the Commonwealth and to the world spanning 70 years, many sporting events were either postponed or cancelled in recognition of all that she had achieved in her life.

 

Queen Elizabeth II passed away on the opening day of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club.  Out of respect for The Queen, the European Tour decided to postpone day two of the four-day tournament which means that the winner was decided over 54 holes.

 

Until Monday, 19th September 2022, the late Queen will lay in state in Westminster Hall, London.  Hundreds of thousands of well-wishers are expected to pass by her coffin.   The state funeral begins at 11.00 in the morning at Westminster Abbey where other royal families and heads of state from around the world will be present to pay their final respects to the longest-serving UK monarch.

 

The new heir to the throne is her son who has taken up his royal duties as King Charles III.  He was just four years old when his mother was crowned as The Queen.  Now, at the age of 73, King Charles Philip Arthur George becomes the oldest monarch since King William IV back in 1830.

 

“May Her Majesty rest in peace.  Long live the King!”

 

 

Wendy Hoad

 

 

MAIN PHOTOGRAPH:  Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.