On Sept. 8, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at the remarkable age of 96. Her death concluded her 70-year reign, and her son, the now King Charles III, inherited the throne. 

The news was posted outside Buckingham Palace in London, England, mentioning that the passing of the queen was peaceful. The report undoubtedly shocked the world, despite word of the monarch’s poor health early that morning. Many can now recall exactly where they were when they heard the announcement: in school, in their bed, and for some, in the heart of the UK itself. 

“I was there [in England] to see family and we planned it all, way before she died,” junior Molly Freeburg said. “It was unexpected to see how many things shut down and how many people went to the services.”

Although the queen only preceded over 15 sovereign states, the rippling effect of her passing was felt worldwide. 

“Seeing how many people went to the services just showed how impactful and important she really was,” Freeburg said. “I didn’t expect it because we don’t know a lot about her in America. The world’s reaction truly showed how important she was.”

Even though the queen lacked any real power or influence as a ruler in the decades leading up to her death, she still remained a figure of royalty and strength. As a public symbol for many British admirers, her passing for them was more than a mere transition of power, but the end of an era. 

“The taxi driver that took me to my hotel was very concerned about the queen in palliative care,” Freeburg said. “He was very much up to date about the queen which made me feel like British people were super devastated by the queen’s death.”

Throughout the nation, people publicly displayed their respect for the late monarch whether it was through banners posted around England in her honor or flowers placed at her memorial. 

“I did see many posters and advertising in her memory around town,” senior Angelina Joseph said. ”Flags were raised in buildings and pictures of her were hung on the windows of those buildings.”

Although gone, Queen Elizabeth’s mark on the world is long but forgotten. As a historical and political figure for so many years, she will certainly be remembered for centuries to come. 

“I feel like the Queen’s legacy was about service for her people,” Joseph said. “She was very dedicated to the commonwealth and she has been a constant symbol for half a century. She’s inspiring, especially reigning as a woman and for the longest time.”