Her reign has ended
'You're a part of history right now' I was told that three times today. Seems odd to be part of this country I've adopted, but it is certainly an unprecedented time for most people. Everyone's been on the news, watching and waiting for any updates on the Queen's health. See, we had already gotten big news with a new Prime Minister yesterday, but many people were looking at her majesty rather than the PM. She was looking a bit frail (as most 90-something year olds do) but the internet was speculating even more on the bruise she had on her hand. People were freaking out, thinking it was from an IV (making the statement from Buckingham Palace placating us a bit empty). The Palace had since been releasing information that was just vague enough to tell us she was alive, but not doing well.
But tonight, the news stated her doctors were concerned, and she remained 'comfortable' in her Scottish home. That caused a lot of alarm. She wasn't being moved to London or taken to a hospital. She was kept comfortable. Within an hour, the royal family was converging to Scotland, and everyone knew she must be dying. We still had no report of her health other than the first statement that the doctors were concerned. Some thought she already passed or wouldn't last the night. And amidst my own exchange of theories between family and friends, the news hit: Queen Elizabeth II has died today.
Whether your political views of the monarchy are positive or negative, it is indeed history. She reigned for 70 years, just recently celebrating her Platinum Jubilee. Pedro and I were lucky to see bits of it on TV and remnants in London. She's been the Queen for most people's lives, and it's even been joked about that she was immortal and going to outlive the succession line. But now's it is official: Charles is King, and William and Kate are next in line. I remember watching their wedding in High School.
Plans for her death have been in place for a while. It's all been worked out beforehand for all the possibilities. She was at her Scottish Highland residence, Balmoral Castle, when she passed; a place she loved. The plan in place is Operation Unicorn, named after the national animal of Scotland. Her funeral procession (on the way back to London) will stop in Edinburgh, through the Royal Mile, namely to St. Giles. It's crazy to me, watching the news unfold, and hearing about these places that Pedro and I have been to. We'll watch rare ceremonies, transitions of her name and face to the King's, and every event thereafter. This day and the days to come are historical.
