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Long Live the King

By Robert Farley

On September 8, 2022

At 1:55 pm

In General

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_{By Original: Joel Rouse/ Ministry of DefenceDerivative: nagualdesign – defenceimagery.mod.uk, OGL 3, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=65165563}

This is a Moment.

My first clear memory – aged 4 – is of watching the coronation on a grainy black and white TV that my Dad had bought for the occasion. Neighbours and friends were invited to the viewing.— Lawrence Freedman (@LawDavF) September 8, 2022

I know a lot of people feel this shouldn’t be a Moment but it is quite clearly a Moment. Queen Elizabeth II was the most palpable remaining bridge linking us to World War II. Despite lacking official powers she was an enormously consequential individual, having met with nearly every major world leader since 1952.

A statement from His Majesty The King: pic.twitter.com/AnBiyZCher— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022

I had memorable meetings with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during my UK visits in 2015 and 2018. I will never forget her warmth and kindness. During one of the meetings she showed me the handkerchief Mahatma Gandhi gifted her on her wedding. I will always cherish that gesture. pic.twitter.com/3aACbxhLgC— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 8, 2022

We join the world in mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, a global icon who represented the finest qualities of her nation and people. Her incredible lifetime of service and duty to the United Kingdom is unparalleled in our modern world.— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) September 8, 2022

Today all Americans stand with our great friends across the Atlantic in mourning the monumental loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Elaine and I extend our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/gtEoyH4GWj— Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) September 8, 2022

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years. I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) September 8, 2022

It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 8, 2022

It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the 🇺🇦 people, we extend sincere condolences to the @RoyalFamily, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 8, 2022

I don’t want to feel bad for Liz Truss but I doubt she bargained for having the first two months of her prime minister-ship dominated by the funeral and the coronation. On the other hand she can legitimately say that she was the last of Elizabeth’s prime ministers, and the last to share this connection with Winston Churchill.