Queen Elizabeth II, former Queen of the United Kingdom, died September 8, 2022. Queen Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926, in London, England. Being the firstborn of Queen Elizabeth I and George VI, Queen Elizabeth II was next in line for the throne. The Queen reigned in the UK for a little over 70 years – starting her reign on Feb. 6, 1952. On June 2, 1953, marked the Coronation Day of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip (her husband). Throughout her time on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II would tour numerous countries due to being Head of the Commonwealth. These countries consisted of Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, etc. She hosted world leaders and traveled the world in support of the British Government.  The Queen also supported various charities, over 600. These included The British Red Cross Society, The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, The Disaster Emergency Committee, and more.  Queen Elizabeth II surpassed her great-great-grandmother’s time of reign of 63 years with 70 years and 214 days. On September 8, 2022, news of the Queen’s death swept over the globe. We sent out an opinion-based poll to the student body to see their reactions to the heartbreaking news. 

For the most part, the student body had the same reaction to the breaking news. When asked if they were shocked hearing about the Queen’s death, 64.5% out of 31 responses wrote yes. Most students were coming home from school or out with friends when they heard about the news. One student explains how he arrived home and turned on the television. The first thing he saw was the news of Queen Elizabeth’s death. Some students even found out about her death through social media. Social media is a big factor in the news of these circumstances. This has proven to be a good method the news is able to spread globally in a matter of seconds. In the following question asking about their reactions, a student explained that “While she was not my queen, I sympathize with the public of the UK since she was their queen. Most– if not all of them– were only under her ruling their whole lives. I understand it can be hard for them. As well, as I completely understand that even if they did not know her personally, her death was still on a personal level for many others.” This response perfectly captures how America felt about this devastating news. While she was not our queen, it is still upsetting to see a whole country lose the only Queen most of them have known. Our student body here at Becton reactions and responses shows how we sympathize with the public of the United Kingdoms.

In regard to the public, they made sure the queen was surely not forgotten. Around 250,000 people lined up in the streets of London to honor the Queen in her casket. English singer, Harry Styles, had a concert scheduled at Madison Square Garden in NYC the night the Queen died. He talked about the sad news and the whole arena had a moment of silence to honor her. Many other celebrities posted on social media, especially ones who had the honor of meeting the queen. The news of the Queen’s death shocked many and those around the world express their condolences for the great reign and life of Queen Elizabeth II.