She’s gone.

[jon-nyc]

Pelosi orders Capitol flags to be flown at half-staff. That’s rarely done for non-Americans.

[Jolly]

Nice lady, the epitome of noblesse oblige.

Wonder if this is the beginning of the end for the British Monarchy?

[Friday]

@Doctor-Phibes said in She’s gone.:

I was thinking about this, and she was arguably the most famous person in the world. Other people might be more talked about, but they come and go, but she's got to be the most recognizable person I can think of.

When people say "the Queen" people know it's referring to Elizabeth II. When they show an image of a little white haired lady in a bright colored hat with a purse dangling on her arm, people know it's the Queen.

Heck, even my children recognize her and they have nothing to do with Britain. In fact, it was my daughter who texted me this morning and ask "Did you guys hear about the Queen?"

[Copper]

I know she was old, but I haven't seen a mention of the cause.

Has there been a mention of this yet?

[Doctor Phibes]

@Jolly said in She’s gone.:

Wonder if this is the beginning of the end for the British Monarchy?

I think William will be very popular when he succeeds. There might be a bit of a hiccup with Charlie.

[LuFins Dad]

@Doctor-Phibes said in She’s gone.:

@Jolly said in She’s gone.:

Wonder if this is the beginning of the end for the British Monarchy?

I think William will be very popular when he succeeds. There might be a bit of a hiccup with Charlie.

William might be popular, but it kind of feels like this is the end of the line in a way. While a figurehead position, she had a very real and lasting impact on the UK and the rest of the world. From here on out it feels like Paris Hilton celebrity status…

[jon-nyc]

Seems correct, though if William has it for some decades you could imagine him developing quite a bit of gravitas over time.

Charles will always be a little bitch, no matter what he does. His best contribution to the monarchy would be to die at 80.

[Klaus]

@jon-nyc said in She’s gone.:

Charles will always be a little bitch, no matter what he does. His best contribution to the monarchy would be to die at 80.

Harsh but true. He's a gasbag.

[Catseye3]

Here's something I have no feel for. The Highness has great value for soul of the realm and ceremonial things and receiving foreign leaders and pomp where it's needed and what have you, but -- and not at all meaning disrespect for her/him, compared to the prime minister and parliament, how much role does s/he have in actual governance?

IOW, how much effect might the wussiness/gasbaggery/leadership excellence/etc of the Highness have, day to day?

[jon-nyc]

@Catseye3

No role except ceremonial.

But that’s sort of the point. You have to have the stature and reverence to pull off the ceremonial role. Elizabeth had it without question. Chuckie? Meh.

[Catseye3]

@jon-nyc

Might he grow into it?

Yes, he could have by now, but maybe he's felt reluctant to appear too kingly -- for want of a better word -- before Elizabeth.

[jon-nyc]

@Catseye3

I think not. Too many years being a literal and figurative putz.

I’m sure he’ll perform the ceremonies well. But I agree the royal family is in a holding pattern until William takes over.

[jon-nyc]

Seen on Twitter:

“Just a reminder that Elizabeth has reigned for 30% of US history”.

Related:

“The Brits think 100 miles is a long distance. The Americans think 100 years is a long time.”

[Mik]

Buckingham two hours before it was announced.

[jodi]

This post is deleted!

[George K]

@jon-nyc said in She’s gone.:

Seen on Twitter:

“Just a reminder that Elizabeth has reigned for 30% of US history”.

28.4%, actually...

[Doctor Phibes]

As he's named 'Charles Philip Arthur George', I'm a little disappointed that he didn't go with the name 'Arthur'. There'd be a big debate whether he should be Arthur I, or Arthur II.

[George K]

"Canada's gonna be basic now just like the US with an old dude's face on their money."

[Ivorythumper]

[89th]

@jon-nyc said in She’s gone.:

Pelosi orders Capitol flags to be flown at half-staff. That’s rarely done for non-Americans.

Considering she was Queen back when Truman was President... jeez, I had to stop writing after I wrote that. That's mind boggling. She was Queen a good 7 years before Castro even took over Cuba.