Queen Elizabeth II dead at 96 after 70 years on the throne

[BumRushDaShow]

Last edited Thu Sep 8, 2022, 04:11 PM - Edit history (11)

Source: AP


FILE - In this Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II looks up and waves to members of staff of The Foreign and Commonwealth Office as she ends an official visit which is part of her Jubilee celebrations in London. Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and a symbol of stability across much of a turbulent century, has died on Thursday, Sept, 8, 2022. She was 96. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant Pool, File)


LONDON (AP) -- Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability across much of a turbulent century, died Thursday after 70 years on the throne. She was 96. The palace announced she died at Balmoral Castle, her summer residence in Scotland, where members of the royal family had rushed to her side after her health took a turn for the worse. A link to the almost-vanished generation that fought World War II, she was the only monarch most Britons have ever known. Her 73-year-old son Prince Charles automatically became king upon her death and will be known as King Charles III, his office announced. (British monarchs in the past have selected new names upon taking the throne.)

Charles' second wife, Camilla, will be known as the Queen Consort. The BBC played the national anthem, "God Save the Queen," over a portrait of her in full regalia as her death was announced, and the flag over Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-staff as the second Elizabethan age came to a close. The impact of her loss will be huge and unpredictable, both for the nation and for the monarchy, an institution she helped stabilize and modernize across decades of enormous social change and family scandals.

In a statement, Charles called the death of his mother "a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family," adding: "I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world." British Prime Minister Liz Truss, appointed by the queen just 48 hours earlier, pronounced the country "devastated" and called Elizabeth "the rock on which modern Britain was built." World leaders extended condolences and paid tribute to the queen.

In Canada, where the British monarch is the country's head of state, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau saluted her "wisdom, compassion and warmth." In India, once the "jewel in the crown" of the British empire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "She personified dignity and decency in public life. Pained by her demise." President Joe Biden called her a "stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States." Since Feb. 6, 1952, Elizabeth reigned over a Britain that rebuilt from a debilitating war and lost its empire; joined the European Union and then left it; and made the painful transition into the 21st century.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-health-update-b2578aa91c3fef9c5d6ad4a557bf63e4

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Additional updates occurring.

Last article -

LONDON (AP) -- Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability across much of a turbulent century, died Thursday after 70 years on the throne. She was 96. The palace announced she died at Balmoral Castle, her summer residence in Scotland, where members of the royal family had rushed to her side after her health took a turn for the worse.

A link to the almost-vanished generation that fought World War II, she was the only monarch most Britons have ever known, and her name defines an age: the modern Elizabethan Era. The impact of her loss will be huge and unpredictable, both for the nation and for the monarchy, an institution she helped stabilize and modernize across decades of huge social change and family scandals.

With the death of the queen, her 73-year-old son Charles automatically becomes monarch, though the coronation might not take place for months. It is not known whether he will choose to call himself King Charles III or some other name. The queen's life was indelibly marked by the war. As Princess Elizabeth, she made her first public broadcast in 1940 when she was 14, sending a wartime message to children evacuated to the countryside or overseas.

"We children at home are full of cheerfulness and courage," she said with a blend of stoicism and hope that would echo throughout her reign. "We are trying to do all we can to help out gallant soldiers, sailors and airmen. And we are trying, too, to bear our own share of the danger and sadness of war. We know, every one of us, that in the end all will be well."

Earlier update and headline-

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's monarch for 70 years, dies

LONDON (AP) -- Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability across much of a turbulent century, has died. She was 96.

Buckingham Palace made the announcement in a statement.

A link to the almost-vanished generation that fought World War II, she was the only monarch most Britons have ever known, and her name defines an age: the modern Elizabethan Era. The impact of her loss will be huge, and unpredictable, both for the nation and for the monarchy, an institution she helped stabilize and modernize across decades of huge social change and family scandals.

With the death of the queen, her son Charles, automatically becomes monarch, even though the coronation might not take place for months. It is not known whether he will choose to call himself King Charles III or some other name.

Earlier headline - Queen under medical supervision at Balmoral

Previous updates (and link - https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62836057) -

The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became concerned for her health, Buckingham Palace has said.

All the Queen's children have gathered at her Scottish estate near Aberdeen. "Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision," a statement said. The Queen is "comfortable", it added. It is very unusual for Buckingham Palace to put out a statement like this - it is usually unwilling to provide a commentary on the 96-year-old monarch's medical matters, which are seen as private. Her son, Prince Charles, is at Balmoral with his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

Her grandson, the Duke of Cambridge, other sons, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex, and his wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, arrived at Aberdeen airport just before 16:00 BST. Prince William drove them alone in a car together to the Queen's Scottish estate, a journey of about 40 miles (64km). Her daughter Princess Anne was already in Scotland undertaking engagements and is in Balmoral. The Duchess of Cambridge has remained in Windsor with her children on their first full day at school. The Duke of Sussex is travelling separately to Balmoral. A spokeswoman said his wife Meghan was not accompanying him. The US-based couple had been in the UK to attend a charity function.

There are clearly pressing concerns for the Queen's health - much more explicitly put than before and without any reference to this only being about difficulties with mobility. There are also warnings against unfounded speculation, such as that she might have had a fall. And on Tuesday she was photographed smiling as she appointed new Prime Minister Liz Truss. But from the last-minute cancellation of what would only have been a virtual meeting of the Privy Council - of senior ministers - there is no mistaking the fragility of the Queen's health.

Ms Truss said the "whole country" would be "deeply concerned" by the news. "My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time," she added. The Queen appointed Ms Truss as prime minister at Balmoral, instead of travelling to London for the event. During her 70-year reign the Queen has typically had an audience with her new prime minister at Buckingham Palace. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: "My prayers, and the prayers of people across the [Church of England] and the nation, are with Her Majesty The Queen today.

The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became concerned for her health, Buckingham Palace has said.

All the Queen's children are gathering at, or are travelling to, her Scottish estate near Aberdeen. "Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision," a statement said. The Queen is "comfortable", it added. It is very unusual for Buckingham Palace to put out a statement like this - it is usually unwilling to provide a commentary on the 96-year-old monarch's medical matters, which are seen as private. Her son, Prince Charles, is at Balmoral with his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

Her grandson, the Duke of Cambridge, other sons, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex, and his wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, arrived at Aberdeen airport just before 16:00 BST. They are travelling to the Queen's Scottish estate, about 40 miles (64km) west of Aberdeen. Her daughter Princess Anne was already in Scotland undertaking engagements and is in Balmoral. The Duchess of Cambridge has remained in Windsor with her children on their first full day at school.

The Duke of Sussex is travelling separately to Balmoral. A spokeswoman said his wife Meghan was not accompanying him. The US-based couple had been in the UK to attend a charity function. There are clearly pressing concerns for the Queen's health - much more explicitly put than before and without any reference to this only being about difficulties with mobility. There are also warnings against unfounded speculation, such as that she might have had a fall. And on Tuesday she was photographed smiling as she appointed new Prime Minister Liz Truss.

But from the last-minute cancellation of what would only have been a virtual meeting of the Privy Council - of senior ministers - there is no mistaking the fragility of the Queen's health. Ms Truss said the "whole country" would be "deeply concerned" by the news. "My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time," she added. The Queen appointed Ms Truss as prime minister at Balmoral, instead of travelling to London for the event.

The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became concerned for her health, Buckingham Palace has said.

All the Queen's children are gathering at, or are travelling to, her Scottish estate near Aberdeen. "Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision," a statement said. The Queen is "comfortable", it added. It is very unusual for Buckingham Palace to put out a statement like this - it is usually unwilling to provide a commentary on the 96-year-old monarch's medical matters, which are seen as private. Prince Charles has travelled to Balmoral with his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall.

The Duke of York and the Count and Countess of Wessex are travelling to the Scottish estate, about 40 miles (64km) west of Aberdeen. The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, was already in Scotland undertaking engagements and is in Balmoral. The Duke of Cambridge is also on his way, with the Duchess of Cambridge remaining in Windsor with their children on their first full day at school. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were due to attend a charity event in London, are travelling to Balmoral, said a spokeswoman. Barriers are being placed outside one of the entrances to the estate.

There are clearly pressing concerns for the Queen's health - much more explicitly put than before and without any reference to this only being about difficulties with mobility. There are also warnings against unfounded speculation, such as that she might have had a fall. And on Tuesday she was on her feet and photographed smiling as she appointed new Prime Minister Liz Truss. But from the last-minute cancellation of what would only have been a virtual meeting of the Privy Council - of senior ministers - there is no mistaking the fragility of the Queen's health.

Ms Truss said the "whole country" would be "deeply concerned" by the news. "My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time," she added. The Queen appointed Ms Truss as prime minister at Balmoral, instead of travelling to London for the event. During her 70-year reign the Queen has typically had an audience with her new prime minister at Buckingham Palace.

The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became concerned for her health, Buckingham Palace has said.

All the Queen's children are either at, or are travelling to, her Scottish estate near Aberdeen. "Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision," a statement said. The Queen is comfortable, it added. Prince Charles has travelled there with his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall.

The Duke of York and the Count and Countess of Wessex are travelling to the Scottish estate, about 40 miles (64km) west of Aberdeen. The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, was already in Scotland undertaking engagements. The Duke of Cambridge is also on his way, with the Duchess of Cambridge remaining in Windsor with their children on their first full-day at school. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were due to attend a charity event in London, are travelling to Balmoral, their spokesperson said.

Barriers are being placed outside one of the entrances to the estate. The announcement comes after the Queen, 96, pulled out of a virtual meeting of her Privy Council on Wednesday, with doctors advising her to rest. There are clearly pressing concerns for the Queen's health - much more explicitly put than before and without any reference to this only being about difficulties with mobility.

There are also warnings against unfounded speculation, such as that she might have had a fall. And on Tuesday she was on her feet and photographed smiling as she appointed new Prime Minister Liz Truss. But from the last-minute cancellation of what would only have been a virtual meeting of the Privy Council - of senior ministers - there is no mistaking the fragility of the Queen's health.

The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became concerned for her health, Buckingham Palace has said.

"Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision," a statement said. "The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral." Prince Charles has travelled to Balmoral. The Duchess of Cornwall has also travelled there and the Duke of Cambridge is on his way.

The announcement comes after the Queen, 96, pulled out of the Privy Council on Wednesday, with doctors advising her to rest. There are clearly pressing concerns for the Queen's health - much more explicitly put than before and without any reference to this only being about difficulties with mobility.

There are also warnings against unfounded speculation, such as that she might have had a fall. And on Tuesday she was on her feet and photographed smiling as she appointed the new prime minister. But from the last-minute cancellation of what would only have been a virtual meeting of the Privy Council - of senior ministers - there is no mistaking the fragility of the Queen's health.

Prime Minister Liz Truss said the "whole country" would be "deeply concerned" by the news. "My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time," she added. The Queen appointed Ms Truss as prime minister at Balmoral, instead of travelling to London for the event.

The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became concerned for her health, Buckingham Palace has said.

"Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision," a statement said. "The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral."

Prince Charles has travelled to Balmoral. The Duchess of Cornwall has also travelled there and the Duke of Cambridge is on his way. The announcement comes after the Queen, 96, pulled out of a virtual Privy Council on Wednesday, with doctors advising her to rest.

Prime Minister Liz Truss said the "whole country" would be "deeply concerned" by the news. "My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time," she added. The Queen appointed Ms Truss as prime minister at Balmoral on Tuesday, instead of travelling to London for the event.

Initial article updated. Original article -

The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became concerned for her health, Buckingham Palace says.

"Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision," they said in a statement. "The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral."

Her immediate family has been informed.

The announcement comes after the Queen, 96, pulled out of a virtual Privy Council on Wednesday, with doctors advising her to rest.

Saw an AP breaking on this.

Doctors 'concerned' about Queen Elizabeth II's health
5 minutes ago

LONDON (AP) -- Buckingham Palace says Queen Elizabeth II is under medical supervision as doctors are "concerned for Her Majesty's health."

The announcement on Thursday comes a day after the 96-year-old monarch canceled a meeting of her Privy Council and was told to rest.

The palace says the queen is "comfortable" and remains at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where she has spent the summer.

https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-health-update-b2578aa91c3fef9c5d6ad4a557bf63e4

[Irish_Dem]

1. British forums are saying William, Charles, Camilla are headed to Balmoral now.

And a note was passed at the House of Commons causing some upset of a serious nature.

(I am on several British forums and they are talking now.
At first they were dead silent, they were shocked.)

[BumRushDaShow]

2. Just added the BBC update

about Charles & Camilla.

I still keep in mind how long the Queen Mum was around!!!

[Irish_Dem]

6. With your first post you beat the British forums I am on.

As soon as I saw your post, I high-tailed it over to the British forums.
Not a word about the Queen's health.

I was confused as the Brits love to dish hot tea about the royal family.

10 minutes later something was posted on one of the forums.
The other forum is still quiet about QE.

I think they are in shock, they know what this must mean.

Yes the Queen Mum was almost 102 when she died.
And she belted back the booze on a daily basis.

QE looked very frail meeting the new PM.
Obviously has lost a lot of weight.

I did not buy she just had a "mobility" issue.
I thought it was more serious than that.

[BumRushDaShow]

7. I have my iPad in a little goose-neck tablet mount near my laptop and saw an AP breaking news banner

I know that AP will blast stories from their stringers out around the world FIRST before ever getting the article on their own website so I high-tailed it over to BBC and they had something, so I went with that. AP did actually cobble something together sooner than usual though.

I did note down-thread that she had COVID earlier this year and this past April, she publicly admitted how exhausted that episode made her feel after recovering, so I am thinking some of this is also long covid-related.

[Irish_Dem]

8. The Brits are thinking the bad news will hit in hours or a few days.

I think there is more to her health issues, and covid rushed things along.

That is a cool picture, your IPAD on a goose neck next to your laptop.

Seriously, the CIA needs to hire you Bum.

[BumRushDaShow]

11. LOL

It's bad enough my main laptop is off at the moment because I need to replace the hard drive (have all the things I need to do that but since I have to dismantle the thing, which I have done before, I know I have to set aside some time for it). So am using my "convertible" laptop (acts like a tablet or regular laptop) that is also in a goose-neck clamp next to my main laptop (I mainly used that for streaming and to take outside on the patio to do some web browsing since it is really lightweight). The little portable keyboard I have for that is really really "portable" (maybe too much so) and not really conducive for the amount of typing that I do, so it has been driving me nuts, and I don't want to take the convertible out of the clamp to use its own keyboard.

[Irish_Dem]

13. Jebus. Three devices then.

At least that is what you are admitting to.

I can see you in front of a bank of screens.
Replacing hard drives as needed all by yourself.

I guess you better get the hard drive in your main laptop so you have a decent keyboard.

[BumRushDaShow]

18. It's an old "side hobby"

[Irish_Dem]

19. Your side hobbies put mine to shame.

[wnylib]

23. I wonder if her bout with covid weakened her overall health.

The fact that she survived it at her age is a miracle.

[Irish_Dem]

29. Yes she has taken recent hits, her husband's death and covid.

Among other family problems.

[jimfields33]

21. I know. Elizabeth should have another 5 years at least.

I’m wondering if losing Phillip did some damage. It’s extremely difficult to lose someone after all that time. Her mom became a widow much much younger. Weirdly that could be easier on the health but not on everything else.

[Irish_Dem]

25. Yes quite possible Phillip's death did some damage to her.

[melm00se]

35. There is something called the "widowhood effect".

While normally this loses its impact 3-6 months after the death of a spouse, I believe that window is wider the longer the couple had been married.

[Irish_Dem]

37. She started losing weight soon after his death.

And then had the "mobility" issues. We don't really know what that really meant.
Obviously something serious in hindsight.

While their marriage was rocky, QE could trust Phillip on most matters.
And was really the only person she could let down her guard with.

[mn9driver]

3. All of the recent reports about her health add up to show how frail she has become

She has had an amazing and very long life.

[Irish_Dem]

4. The British people have been spoon fed the bad news.

I think her condition has been bad for some time.

[Hekate]

31. Allows the family to gather with a modicum of privacy to say farewell

Seriously hope Harry & Meghan can make it in time —

[Irish_Dem]

32. Yes the family needs this time to say goodbye.

Before some of their lives change dramatically.

[BumRushDaShow]

5. She contracted COVID-19 earlier this year

(in February) and I think that exacerbated any normal age-related slow-downs (most likely long covid).

Queen reveals Covid left her 'very tired and exhausted'

By Jo Couzens
BBC News Online

10 April


The Queen has revealed Covid left her "very tired and exhausted" after she caught the virus earlier this year. The monarch, 95, was taking part in a virtual hospital visit when she described her experience to a former virus patient, whose father and brother had died with the illness.

The call to the Royal London Hospital last week marked the official opening of its Queen Elizabeth Unit. Buckingham Palace said in February that the monarch had coronavirus.

She was said to be suffering "mild cold-like symptoms" at the time. During her video call to the hospital, the Queen said: "It [Covid] does leave one very tired and exhausted, doesn't it?"

Speaking to former Covid patient Asef Hussain and his wife Shamina, she added: "This horrible pandemic. It's not a nice result."

(snip)

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60998927

Definitely not a virus to play with or wish on anyone.

[mcar]

10. There's also the "Widowhood Effect"

where long-married spouses are more likely to die after the death of their husband/wife.

[BumRushDaShow]

12. I was thinking that too

It been almost 18 months since he passed...

[Irish_Dem]

9. British forums saying Anne is already at Balmoral, Edward and Andrew on their way.

Yikes, all the kids are there.

I think we are talking hours or days before bad news hits.

[CottonBear]

14. The Duke & Duchess of Sussex are going to Balmoral as well,

having cancelled their scheduled event in London.

Apparently, the Duke of Cambridge is going as well.

[Irish_Dem]

16. William on his way. Catherine staying in Windsor with the kids, first day of school for them.

Yes Sussexes on their way too.

[ripcord]

36. It is for the best

The kids don't need to be around all that.

[Irish_Dem]

38. Brits reporting heightened security around the heirs, including little Prince George.

William and Catherine didn't want to leave the kids alone right now.

[Irish_Dem]

40. Brits are hoping Catherine will arrive at Balmoral.

[radical noodle]

15. Harry and Meghan are also on the way

That's particularly ominous.

[Irish_Dem]

17. The Brits would agree with you.

[Irish_Dem]

64. BBC reporting Harry traveled to Scotland on his own.

Meghan stayed in London.

[radical noodle]

129. I did see that later

Thanks! Sadly, it was as bad as we all expected.

[Irish_Dem]

133. Yes it was sounding grim and proved to be so.

[Irish_Dem]

20. All Queen's children are now at her side at Balmoral.

This is not looking good.

[vercetti2021]

24. Yeah I think sadly she's not going to make it past today

I guess everybody has their time sadly.

[Irish_Dem]

26. Yes, it is looking like an imminent death.

[Hekate]

22. Liz's been looking terribly frail lately.Photo in May vs seeing the new PM,she's lot a lot of weight

The Queen is 96, after all

[Irish_Dem]

28. She's has been losing weight for months, but the recent photo was shocking.

She had lost quite a bit more and yes looked very frail.

[Irish_Dem]

27. Brits reporting BBC TV anchors have switched to black clothing.

They did the same right before Phillip's death.

[Happy Hoosier]

47. My guess is that they will try and allow some prep before an official announcment.

I know some here hate the British monarchy, and I get it. But as a history lover and someone who actually likes that quirk of British culture, I've seen her as a more positive influence through tumultupous times in Britain.

I wish her a peaceful passing.

[Irish_Dem]

55. Some are saying the news might hit 6pm London time.

As per Operation London Bridge, the death protocol for QE.

Yes with my ancestry I am not fond of the BRF, but history is history.
And QE did a great job against so many obstacles.
I give her full credit.

Her family held the British people together during WWII.
Along with Winston Churchill.

[Irish_Dem]

30. Hey Bum can I post British forum rumors?

Everything I have posted so far is fact.

But the Brits are abuzz with a certain something.

[Hekate]

39. Speaking only for myself, I rather hope you do. So far this thread has not attracted the bitter...

…comments I’ve come to dread at DU.

[Irish_Dem]

43. Based on some British forums:

About half of the Brits posting believe the Queen has already died.

And that the press has been asked to give the family time to see the Queen one last time.
And get their act together before it gets crazy.

I have observed that the Brits don't lie or make up stories about the Queen.
In fact they go the other way and cover up all the Royal Family dirty laundry.

So I would say that this could quite possibly be true.

[Happy Hoosier]

48. It kind of feels that way...

... and I think they would want to get their ducks in a row before making an official announment. They would make sure satff are ready for the onslaught of media, that they are ready with mourning attire and adornments. That they can announce what the intended timeline is for for the coronation of Charles, etc. etc. It will be a frenzy.

I wish Her Majesty a peaceful passing. She's earned it.

[Irish_Dem]

57. Yes it definitely feels she may have already passed.

The protocol is said to be a 6pm announcement London time.
Supposed to be the Operation London Bridge protocol.

Give the family time to say goodbye and get their act together before the press onslaught.

[greatauntoftriplets]

59. That thought also had crossed my mind.

Seems appropriate that it's raining there today.

[artemisia1]

66. I agree. I think she's gone. We will miss her. /nt

[Hekate]

33. This Queen has lived thru an incredible span of history, calm and steady

Cross gently

[róisín_dubh]

34. The UK university I consult for...

has instructed all personnel and students to refrain from posting anything on social media (regardless of the nature of the post) under all university social media handles.
Not looking good.

[Irish_Dem]

58. Yes same kind of thing other Brits are reporting.

I think the death has already happened.

[Native]

41. On a UK Reddit thread re her already having passed away:

"The BBC already leaked it on their 'live news' section, they wrote Charles will become king, and then it was quickly removed and replaced with Heir to the throne..."

[Irish_Dem]

45. Yes, Brits on various forums saying the same thing.

Something happened overnight, the press is giving the family time to deal with the death
and the publicity to come.

[Shanti Shanti Shanti]

42. King Charles doesn't sound right, he should use King Arthur... 'Charles Philip Arthur George'

When the time comes...

[Freddie]

51. Wonder if he will be King George VII

He can pick a regnal name other than Charles. Although at his age he might not want to.

[Happy Hoosier]

56. Interesting.

I suspect it will be "Charles III" since he has been Charles all his life, and he's no spring chicken himself. But we'll see. I'd prefer a medieval King's name. Give me an Edward or a Henry!

[Aristus]

101. People have been speculating against the use of Charles as a regnal name, since the first two

of that name did not exactly inspire confidence.

Neither, however, do the names Edward or Henry, as the most recent of each, Edward VIII and Henry VIII, were not exactly ornaments of the monarchy.

[muriel_volestrangler]

105. They have now confirmed it will be "King Charles III"

There had been talk, several years ago, of whether he might choose "George VII", to hark back to his grandfather (who used "George VI" rather than "King Albert" - he had been "Bertie" in his family).

"Charles" is medieval too, if not a British medieval king - Charlemagne etc. From whom he is remotely descended.

[Irish_Dem]

74. Brits seem to want all the heirs to keep their given names.

[Shanti Shanti Shanti]

82. It's over, she has died, just announced

The royal subjects will do as the King wishes, Arthur IS one of his given names

[Irish_Dem]

88. Yes just saw that.

They wanted the family to have time to gather first.

[keithbvadu2]

44. Queen Elizabeth's photobomb with a smile.

Last edited Thu Sep 8, 2022, 11:22 AM - Edit history (1)

Queen Elizabeth's photobomb with a smile.

The girls didn't know it until after she was gone.

[Native]

46. Awesome pic!

[Hekate]

53. Sweet

[Bayard]

60. That's great!

I always think of her with her horses, her dogs, and her hats. I'm afraid her long ride is coming to an end. I hope her Corgis are with her.

[crickets]

96. Oh, that's adorable!

Now I'm getting a bit teary. It's like a dear friend's grandmother has passed away.

[electric_blue68]

115. Oh that's so sweet and fun.

[Layzeebeaver]

49. A hereditary entitled head of family is going to die.

Who really give a royal shit about it?

Tourists? Maybe.

Heads of state? They don't care. Its all a show.

[DavidDvorkin]

50. That was inevitable.

[Hekate]

52. Aaaand here they come

Start a thread of your own? So much more fun?

[Happy Hoosier]

54. Then why bother posting?

Obviously, some of us care. You don't have to. But respect other peoples' points of view.

[obamanut2012]

65. I do

[artemisia1]

67. Welcome to my ignore list. She was your better. /nt

[Scrivener7]

77. No. She is no one's better, and that's why we aren't British today. But she does seem

like a well-meaning and sincere lady whose life has been devoted to a kind of service that many English value. She is also a long standing institution, and I will be sad when she dies.

[Abigail_Adams]

147. Well said

[NYC Liberal]

72. You can care about anyone as another human being.

I care any time I hear news that someone is ill or has died, whether I know them personally, only know of them, or have never heard of them. Obviously my emotions will vary depending on who it is, but even if I see a brief news clip about someone dying, I care, even if for a few moments.

[Torchlight]

75. I'd think it follows that anyone in this discussion cares to one degree or another

Up to and including both you and I.

[DavidDvorkin]

76. If only to tell us that they don't, apparently

[Layzeebeaver]

100. I don't diminish the grief of her family

I do however diminish the ridiculous fealty the public gives to the royal family.

ignore me if you wish, but I'm not the only person in the UK who is glad to see the natural death of the royal family.

[Abigail_Adams]

146. Pipe down

If we (you) are honest, she was much more than that, as someone above said, her family plus Churchill held England together during WWII. Heads of state are sincere in their tributes and sadness. Justin Trudeau was weeping, saying she was his favorite person in the world and she helped him greatly. Be decent for at least a day, please.

[Layzeebeaver]

154. See my other post.

The royals are what they are. A rich and entitled group that really does little for the country.
They don’t do trade deals, treaties, national negotiation, intelligence, economic programs, bla bla bla.

They exist to assure that they exist.

Let them die naturally, and let their sympathisers have their day.

Britain will be better off without them.

A lot of folks here will disagree with me.

[nitpicker]

61. (Indirect update from The Guardian about 1600 BST)

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2022/sep/08/queen-elizabeth-ii-health-royals-medical-observation-latest-news-live-updates

An RAF plane has landed in Aberdeen carrying the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of York and the Earl and Countess of Wessex. The Sussexes did not appear to be among them.

[Happy Hoosier]

68. The Sussexes have a much longer trip. They'll be there. NT

[Irish_Dem]

73. Multiple sources saying Harry travels alone to Balmoral.

Meghan stayed in London.

[greatauntoftriplets]

62. I subscribe to a magazine called "The English Home".

Just last night, I was reading the latest issue that had a spread on royal houses. It said that Balmoral is her favorite of all of their real estate.

[Irish_Dem]

63. Yes the Brits are happy that QE's last days were spent at her beloved Balmoral.

[greatauntoftriplets]

69. I'm sure they are.

Scotland is gorgeous at this time of year with the heather in bloom.

[Irish_Dem]

70. Yes surrounded by happy memories too.

[ificandream]

71. Alert: live video coverage from the UK

Alert: live video coverage from the UK: you can find it on the BBC world news app. You do not have to sign in on the app.

[Sympthsical]

78. Thanks for the heads up

I have to be on campus for an exam review this afternoon, and I fully plan to have an ear bud in and watching on my phone during (I'm a history type, there's no way I'm missing an announcement).

I've been idly listening on Sky News on YouTube, but I'd rather see it on the BBC.

[nitpicker]

79. Link please?

Can't find it on the BBC website.

[moonshinegnomie]

81. live stream from sky news

couldnt get the bbc to work on my computer even with a vpn
https://news.sky.com/watch-live

[keithbvadu2]

80. Queen Elizabeth served... no bone spurs.

Queen Elizabeth served... no bone spurs.

[Hekate]

83. Just announced on MSNBC: Queen Elizabeth has passed

RIP, cross gently

[halobeam]

84. RIP

[calimary]

85. God bless you, Ma'am.

It's the end of an era.

I made a few notes earlier:

14 Presidents
15 Prime Ministers
7 Popes.

Can't quite believe it. I'm sad today.

[BumRushDaShow]

89. AP actually generated a loud breaking news alert chime on my ipad for this

They were actually the first source that popped up early this morning with the health issue story and then I switched to BBC before going back to AP..

[Hekate]

86. Thank you, BumRush, for the updates

[scipan]

87. She was a constant in my life. A rock.

I'm sad that she's gone.

[Irish_Dem]

90. The King/The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow

From the Royal Family website.

[BumRushDaShow]

91. Thanks!

I know there are some major protocols that have occurred and will continue to happen for some time now surrounding this. It's been a long long time since the last time this happened.

[Irish_Dem]

93. Yes Charles is now King, Camilla Queen.

William will be Prince of Wales, Catherine Princess of Wales.

There will be a coronation for Charles and Camilla, and an investiture for William and Catherine.

[BumRushDaShow]

99. I don't think that Camilla would be considered "Queen"

but Queen, Consort (like Phillip wasn't considered "King", but Consort to the Queen). I think had Diana been alive, she would have become Queen.

[Irish_Dem]

102. Yes officially Camilla is Queen Consort, just like Diana would have been.

Neither Diana nor Camilla have or would have had constitutional powers.

Their titles reflect the title of the husband, not in their own right like QE.

[BumRushDaShow]

106. Okay

Last edited Thu Sep 8, 2022, 04:41 PM - Edit history (1)

because I recall Elizabeth made some "changes" - https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/23/world/princess-charlotte-royal-baby-succession-trnd



(Charlotte is actually ahead of her little brother (edited) in the line with the change)

and also saw where Camilla, out of deference to Diana, would have supposedly been Princess, Consort unless Charles made the change with his sons' approval. A royal soap opera!

[Irish_Dem]

109. Charlotte's little brother is Louis. And she is ahead of him in the line of succession.

Charlotte's elder brother is George who is a direct heir to the throne.

Charles had originally said that his wife Camilla would not be Queen, but Princess Consort.

But in a recent statement by Queen Elizabeth, it was announced that Camilla would be Queen Consort.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/09/08/uk-queen-elizabeth-charles-camilla/

[BumRushDaShow]

124. Ahh...

That chart was from way back so Louis' name wasn't on there. She did jump head of him as a female, so that would have never happened previously before the change.

[Irish_Dem]

125. When William's wife(Kate) was pregnant with their first child parliament changed the succession laws

Female children could now be direct heirs to the throne even if they had brothers.



https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-15492607

[BumRushDaShow]

128. Yes that's it

I remember when that happened and it was big news!

[Irish_Dem]

132. Yes.

[BumRushDaShow]

135. I finally turned on the TV and am watching MSNBC

where they were showing live shots of Buckingham Palace. That takes me back to my very first plane flight and first time out of the country, which was to London in 1970 and standing in front of that building (and eventually saw Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, etc). It was right after the Beatles broke up.

To this day though, the biggest shock was the tiny "10 Downing St." I remember thinking, that's it?????

[Irish_Dem]

136. Same year I got a glimpse of the Queen in Canada.

It was the year I graduated from high school, 1970, and a friend and I took a trip to Canada.

We were in Ottawa and there was a big crowd.

We asked what was going and people said the Queen is visiting.

A big limo passes by and bingo. There is the Queen.
It was far away but it was her. The crowd cheered.

Sounds like the first time I visited Washington DC.
The White House and Capitol Building were so dinky and small.
Nothing like what we see on TV.

[Irish_Dem]

126. Yes the new law meant Charlotte would be ahead of Louis.

Prior to the law she would have been behind him in succession to the throne.

[NYC Liberal]

108. Technically William isn't Prince of Wales automatically.

He’s Duke of Cornwall now. Charles will have to name grant him the title; but I assume that will happen.

[Irish_Dem]

110. Yes this is correct. It is assumed William will be made POW.

[Irish_Dem]

94. Oh Bum the British forums are so sad right now.

The Brits are just bereft and in shock.
People I have known for years are falling apart.

It's making me cry to read their reactions and what they are saying.

[BumRushDaShow]

103. She has been around entire lifetimes

and that would probably apply to the other Commonwealth countries.

I know she was 4 years older than my mom and my mom said it was a big thing back then when she married and ascended the throne (along with all the other extra drama that went on with her uncle abdicating).

A couple years ago, I did *finally* manage to watch the film "The King's Speech" (2010) about her father that airs on and off on Showtime, which I have a sub to. They always charged extra for that film but I managed to DVR it when they offered a limited time free airing.

Fascinating movie!

Edit to add - Back in the late '40s through the '50s - it was "Queen Elizabeth" and "Grace Kelly" (who would become a Princess - and since the latter was from Philly, it was a double big thing). That whole era...

[Irish_Dem]

107. Yes exactly, most Brits never knew a time without QE.

And they remember their parents and grandparents talking about her!

The Brits sound disoriented and in shock, deep grief.

They cannot wrap their heads around "King Charles."

Yes the King's Speech was a good movie.

It is the end of an era.

[LeftInTX]

130. She's been a good queen

There has been alot of changes since she ascended.

[Irish_Dem]

134. She has been their touchstone, monarch, guiding light through thick and thin.

They could count on her for comfort and reassurance during dark times.
She represented continuity and stability.

The Brits seem lost right now.

Heartbroken and lost.

[Irish_Dem]

92. Brits on various forums are either in shock or bereft.

I have been on a number of British forums for years and it is so sad to see the outpouring of raw grief there now.

[Hekate]

116. Condolences to all

[crickets]

95. It was a jolt to reload the BBC page to a changed headline,

even though the news was expected. Condolences to all in the UK and the Commonwealth for your loss.

Queen Elizabeth was a calm, steady, and dignified presence through so many decades that most of us have known no other on the throne in our lifetimes. She will be keenly missed.

[RedSpartan]

97. I still get tears thinking of how she ordered the Star-Spangled Banner played at Buckingham Palace

after 9/11.

May she rest in peace.

[Irish_Dem]

98. Operation Unicorn is in place. Outline of protocols:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11193607/What-happens-UK-Queen-died-Operation-London-Bridge-triggers-10-days-mourning.html

[BrightKnight]

112. Well, flying the flags at half staff at the Whitehouse is appropriate. nt

I think that the Eiffel tower lights are being turned off.

[Irish_Dem]

113. Yes Reuters is reporting Eiffel Tower lights will be turned off this evening.

I agree, the WH lowering its flags is appropriate.

[róisín_dubh]

114. I'm flying back home to London next week.

It will be a somber flight and chaos in London I reckon.

[Hekate]

118. Carry our condolences with you

[róisín_dubh]

140. I will do.

I have friends who, despite being hard Left, are really sad right now. We have nothing similar in the US, I don't think.


I find Americans, who are slamming the monarch because of imperialism or pedophilia or (name something), to be quite weird. Have they paid any attention to what we've done for oh, the last 400 years?

[Hekate]

144. A lot of it is quite weird, imo. I look on them as an historical artifact & dysfunctional family...

I just really don’t have anything against them as individuals, and their public presence allows me to occasionally express an opinion. As I’ve mentioned on occasion, the runaways (just a little joke) have settled in a community less than 30 miles from me, and I kind of like it that she’s a biracial California girl and he’s a flaming redhead and it looks like their kids are redheads too.

I once was friends with a woman who was a real Anglophile, just had a total fascination with all things Royal and British. It was about 50 years ago and we lost touch, but that was weird. It was an out of proportion fantasy.

Me? My name is Irish, my face is Irish, and I have a collection of Irish folk music that’s amazing. Last night I started delving into my scholarly books on Yeats, because that’s my idea of a good time.

Sadly, there was something about the 30 years of The Troubles reported from afar in gruesome detail that finally made me incredibly glad I hadn’t been born there and cured me of a certain romanticism about rebellions. Took a tour after it was supposedly over and healed, and one night after dinner our driver told us about being yanked off the street one time after he parked the tour bus for the night, and having some Northern Irish thugs hold a gun to his head for two solid hours while they grilled him and looked for an excuse to kill him for being Catholic. Does hatred never die?

And truth to tell there are other reasons I don’t want to embrace that victimhood: as an American, I am also part English. Of course. The first one across the water in my American ancestry was an English Dissenter who sailed from Leyden. It’s a rare American family that hasn’t out-married from their original group after a few generations. Why stoke old hatreds? Learn, do better, move on.

Sorry for rambling on, róisín_dubh. I’ve hit the point where I either delete everything or post it. The dog needs a walk, so post it is.

[Irish_Dem]

121. Yes the Brits are having a hard time right now.

Even though the QE was advanced in age and in poor health, they are having difficulty wrapping their heads
around a world without her in it. And of course bereft.

I love your user name.
Little black rose.

[róisín_dubh]

139. Exactly that :)

I'm conflicted. I grew up in a rabidly anti-English, proudly Irish-American household (hence the name, which has an interesting history). But England is my home and I love it. So this is quite difficult to square.

[Irish_Dem]

141. Yes same here.

1000 years of brutal English subjugation against the Irish people does not leave a good impression.

But I have always loved everything British since childhood.
Go figure.

And I am a long time member of some British forums, so I am in tune with the British mindset
and personality. I feel greatly for them. They are truly suffering right now.

Yes all hard to square, but there it is.

What is the history on your name?

[róisín_dubh]

142. In the 16th century, "roisin dubh" was code for Ireland...

when it was against the law to talk about Ireland. There's an old political song called "roisin dubh" (I'm too lazy to put the accents).
So I walk around England daily with a secret "fuck you" from my ancestors.
But it's my home and I love it, warts and all.

[Irish_Dem]

143. Wonderful! Love it.

You are doing your ancestors proud.

I do genealogy and Irish records don't exist or are a mess.

The British made the Irish give up everything.

Their language, their religion, culture, history, getting an education, etc.
So the records reflect people hiding documents from the British and not able to read or write.
Or attend church. And literally starved to death by the British.

[róisín_dubh]

148. I know almost nothing about my paternal grandfather and his family.

I know my paternal great-granddad came over at age 8 with his 6 year old brother. Their mother's name was only recorded as "Rose". No birth name, no father's name (I'm assuming he died, hence sending the boys over to America in 1902.
My paternal grandma's family is a bit more clear. My great-gran came over in 1914 at age 12, with her family. She naturalised in 1928, after my grandma was born. If only they'd registered her birth, I'd be set. But they didn't.

[Irish_Dem]

151. My grandparents were immigrants from Ireland. I know some history and have cousins in Ireland

My grandparents were adults when they arrived, I know where they were born and raised.
Western Ireland.

I have also done extensive DNA testing and found out some of my Irish ancestors that way.

Also my brother's YDNA test showed rare ancient Irish DNA, linked to the original tribal groups of Ireland,
pre celtic, pre druid. Most Irish came to Ireland later.

How do you mean you would be set?

You are sure there is no US birth record for your grandmother?

She was the child of an Irish citizen, so that makes her an Irish citizen?

Even though she was born outside of Ireland? Or is that only current law?

[róisín_dubh]

152. Irish immigration laws are really convoluted.

So, my grandmother would've been eligible for Irish citizenship (she'd need to be registered and as far as I know, she wasn't) and if she'd had it, that would have conveyed it upon my Dad. If my dad had been registered with the Irish records office upon his birth (or at any point before mine), I could apply for third generation ancestral citizenship. But...because my dad's birth wasn't registered and he was born in 1953, I'm stuck. Had he been born in 1956 or after, I could've applied for an appeal.
I have a friend who's an Irish constitutional scholar and he suspects this law may be challenged at some point in the future.

[Irish_Dem]

153. Yes you need a paper trail to prove Irish citizenship.

So you would need your grandmother's US birth certificate and her mother's Irish birth certificate.

My understanding is that the child of an Irish citizen does not need to register with anyone at birth.
They are automatic Irish citizens.

My grandparent's children born here in the US were automatic Irish citizens and were able
to get Irish passports with no problem. And they were not registered at birth with the
Irish government. So my father and his siblings were automatically Irish citizens.

The grandchildren of my Irish immigrant grandparents to the US are also Irish citizens if they choose to make application to the Irish government which some have done successfully. It is a simple process. You make the application with birth certificates and you get sent an Irish passport.

I had not heard about third generation Irish citizenship. And the cutoff date of 1956.

[róisín_dubh]

155. Hmm. I'm going to have to do a little digging then.

Thanks for this! Being a historian helps, as I can dig through complicated research portals and find things quickly.

[Irish_Dem]

156. I am good at that kind of research as well.

I am on Ancestry.com and have an international membership.

If you want me to look for any documents, pm me with the particulars
and I will see what I can find.

[Hekate]

145. I never knew that. So much I don't know -- like how to pronounce anything Irish...

I grew up knowing how to pronounce Hawaiian names and Asian names — things that have the right number of vowels that I know how to say. My husband, on the other hand, has good facility with more than one European language, but the language of ancestral religion has no vowels whatsoever, so he teases me.

Which brings me to my question: how do you pronounce róisín_dubh?

[róisín_dubh]

149. It's kind of like...

roe-SHEEN dove, or duff.
My grasp of Irish pronunciation is abysmal. It's a super complicated language. I'll stick with Dutch and Spanish!


Wait, no vowels?!? That's crazy!

[Hekate]

150. Liturgical Hebrew is written without vowels. My darling can have it....

If it’s transliterated into the English alphabet all the vowels get added, but then elderly men like my late father in law argue over whether they’re the right ones.

Whereas I can still pronounce Kalanianaole Highway and Queen Liliuokalani.

I have no idea what the rules of pronunciation are for Irish, tho if presented with one name or town at a time I can just memorize it. Aiofe stumped me, until someone said, “It’s Ee-fah, of course.” Well naturally, however did I miss that?

[Marthe48]

104. R.I.P.

I'll always remember you fondly.

[electric_blue68]

117. It's sad R.I.P. Queen Elizabeth

She's been around all my life, too.

[Richard_GB]

119. I walked over to Buckingham Palace this evening

Despite the rain large crowds were already gathering. The press were there in force. Many arrived with flowers. There were spontaneous renditions of god save the queen. At 62 I have never heard god save the king sung. I will have to get used to that, now my grandchildren will likely live there lives with this new song.

[Irish_Dem]

123. It is the end of an era. Yes the next heirs are all male.

So it is going to be God Save the King for a long time.

Thank you for telling us what it is like at BP tonight.

[Richard_GB]

120. I walked over to Buckingham Palace this evening

Despite the rain large crowds were already gathering. The press were there in force. Many arrived with flowers. There were spontaneous renditions of god save the queen. At 62 I have never heard god save the king sung. I will have to get used to that, now my grandchildren will likely live their lives with this new song.

[Collimator]

122. My first thought was gratitude. . .

. . . that TFG would not be the one representing us at the funeral.

Then a friend noted that, as an ex-pres, he might be invited.

A British on-line friend said that she hoped he would, so that he could make it all about himself, otherwise, "it will be a sad affair."

So, I guess if it's not your drunk, racist uncle causing a scene, it's kind of amusing?

All kidding aside, I did admire her. I'm not a big fan of the BRF, but the woman had class and understood duty.

I mostly enjoyed the fashion side of things, and as I have often said, the big difference between the BRF and the Kardashians, is that the Brits cover up more of their bodies. . . And, of course, there are the hats. Kim can find new ways to expose as much skin in public as possible without being arrested on indecency charges, but she will never rock a chapeau like the House of Windsor.

Rest in Peace, Real Queen

[BumRushDaShow]

127. "a friend noted that, as an ex-pres, he might be invited"

His mother is off the boat from Scotland and he has a couple of these there (that his neighbors loathe) -

[LeftInTX]

131. RIP..Sounds like she had a peaceful passing

She lived a very long life with minimal health problems.

[Deminpenn]

137. Most telling to me is

all of the British journalists are wearing black and many, if not all, appear to have shed a few tears before and between TV appearances. Usually the Brits are jaunty and irreverent, but not today.

[BumRushDaShow]

138. Yup

That was being reported upthread happening earlier this morning - https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=2966304

For most of the population, that's all they know and that family was woven into Britain's fabric, but today is even more of an anachronism given the day-to-day policy-making mainly comes from Parliament. I think her death has become more of a cultural loss as a reminder of "grander times".