by HB Auld, Jr.

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain died today at her beloved Balmoral Castle near Aberdeen, Scotland. She was 96 years old and the longest serving British monarch, at more than 70 years, in history.

She ascended to the throne at age 25 on February 6, 1952, upon the death of her father, King George VI. Her official coronation was held June 2, 1953. She has served as Queen during the service of 15 British Prime Ministers, 14 US Presidents, and seven Popes. Her first Prime Minister was Sir Winston Churchill. She is not only the Head of State of the United Kingdom, but is also the titular head of the Anglican Church of England.

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary became Queen Elizabeth II upon the death of her father, King George VI. She was married to her beloved husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, for 73 years. She says she fell in love with him upon their second meeting when she was 13 years old and he was 18. They had four children during their marriage. He passed away April 9, 2021, at 99 years, two months shy of his 100th birthday. During World War II, Princess Elizabeth served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service where she trained as a driver and mechanic and was given the rank of honorary junior commander. Following the end of the War, she and her younger sister, Margaret, mingled incognito with young people celebrating in the streets of London.

Her eldest son, Prince Charles, ascended to the British throne upon her death and will undergo coronation later at historical Westminster Abbey in London. His son, Prince William, moves up to second in line in succession to the throne.

It is presumed Queen Elizabeth II will be buried beside her beloved husband, Prince Philip, in the Royal Vault of St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in the near future.

We stand united with our British friends in this, their time of grief, for the passing of their Queen.

God Save King Charles III !

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