Queen Elizabeth II dead at 96; NHHS students, staff pay tribute to monarch’s legacy

According to Britannica, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was the queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Northern Ireland and many other realms and territories from February 6, 1952 to September 8, 2022. “She was a symbol of grace, resolve, and stability for both the U.K. and the world,” states history teacher Mr. Benjamin Scarborough.

     The Queen was born on April 21, 1926 in London, England and spent her last days at Balmoral Castle, the British royal family’s estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Scarborough, “was not surprised that the Queen passed, given her advanced age, but…was still saddened by it.”

     The Monarch came to power at 25 years of age and passed at 96, ending 70 years of service to the British Commonwealth. The BBC records that, “as a 21-year-old princess, Elizabeth had vowed to devote her life to service.” Later, during her Silver Jubilee in 1977, she revealed that, “although that vow was made in [her] salad days, when [she] was green in judgment, [she does] not regret nor retract one word of it.”

     Elizabeth was the longest reigning British monarch in history with her son, Charles III, succeeding her as King of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth at 73 years old, according to Statista.

     Junior Julianna Chaney expresses that she was, “very surprised when [she] heard of the Queen’s death.” The junior thought she would live forever. Chaney states, “Queen Elizabeth showed me that women can be successful in very powerful positions. I don’t think anyone could live up to her legacy.”

     Other North Harford High School students voice their reactions to the event. Junior Thomas White believes, “we can all see each other in Queen Elizabeth because inside, we are all queens.” Scarborough continues, “she was the face of Britain and represented the traditions and values I most associate with the British.”

     The teacher is worried that, “the British monarchy may face troubles in the future. Elizabeth II was beloved by most British people, but Charles III’s approval ratings are quite low. Because it is a position that is not elected, [he] wonder[s] how long British taxpayers will be willing to support it.”

     Reuters writes that detractors view, “the new king [as] weak, vain, interfering, and ill-equipped for the role of sovereign.” Contradictory to this, “supporters say that it is a distortion of the good work he does” and he is misunderstood for his concern for all his “fellow Britons.”