London: The Queen is dead. Long live the King.
Outside Buckingham Palace, the backdrop to so many historic moments, parents shielded children from the rain under umbrellas while others raised jackets above their heads.
They had come to mourn the life of their beloved late Elizabeth II. They were, instead, greeted by their new King.
King Charles III is given a rose by a member of the public outside Buckingham Palace.Credit:PA
Charles III, wearing a black suit and tie, stepped out of the royal car just outside the palace’s famous gates in an impromptu move to greet cheering crowds of thousands of well-wishers. Mourners placed comforting hands on his arm and one kissed his hand.
He shook hands, received flowers and spoke to those who had gathered. A rendition of “God Save the King” broke out as clouds parted, and the sun shone through. Not since the death of Diana 25 years ago has a monarch so publicly grieved with their subjects.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” one woman said before she kissed his hand. “We love you, Charles,” another cried out.
A huge crowd outside Buckingham Palace as King Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, arrive following the death of the Queen.Credit:Getty
The King could be heard telling people “thank you” during the nearly 10-minute walkabout on Friday afternoon local time. He accepted a red rose from another member of the public. He went along the entire line, shaking hands and talking to those cheering his name as those at the back held up their phones to record this remarkable moment.
“Good on you, Charlie,” one cheeky chappie yelled. “We loved your mum,” said another.
This was the sign of continuity for which the monarchy had hoped. As painful as it was, the sun had now set on the Elizabethan era and Britons had woken to the dawn of a new Carolean age.
Camilla, his Queen consort dressed in black, joined him for the walkabout outside the palace gates. They were guided by Sir Clive Alderton, his principal private secretary, to walk the rows of flowers that had been left in tribute to his mother, who died at Balmoral on Thursday. The couple were applauded as they walked, side by side, into the palace which now becomes their home.
King Charles III, and Camilla, the Queen Consort, walk into Buckingham Palace.Credit:PA
Gun salutes fired and church bells tolled throughout the country in honour of Britain’s longest reigning monarch. Images of the world’s most famous woman lined the famous streets of the city which has, for 70 years, been in indelibly linked to her. “Off to London to visit the Queen”, as the saying went.
The electronic screens of Piccadilly Circus, at Tube stations and bus stops they honoured her remarkable reign. Shops closed, workers skived from their day jobs to gather with friends or toast a life well lived.
Life has not completely grounded to a halt, but things have gone on pause. The Bank of England decided to postpone next Thursday’s monetary policy committee meeting by one week “in light of the period of national mourning”.
A day’s Test cricket at The Oval was delayed until Saturday, while the English Premier League has postponed all weekend fixtures.
British horseracing, the sport which the Queen held so dear, has extended its suspension to Saturday. Meetings will recommence on Sunday. However, Musselburgh Racecourse will be the exception because of plans for the Queen’s body to lie in state in Edinburgh.
In the House of Commons, Prime Minister Liz Truss led tributes to her 70-year reign as the country entered a period of extended mourning.
“We have witnessed the most heartfelt outpouring of loss and grief,” Truss said. “She was the rock on which modern Britain was built. The United Kingdom is the great country it is today because of her.”
Charles and Camilla arrive at Buckingham Palace.Credit:PA
At Australia House, on London’s Strand, acting high commissioner Lynette Wood opened the doors to expats who wanted to relay their own message to the grieving royals.
“She was a rare and reassuring constant for many during times of rapid change,” said Wood, who will attend Saturday’s meeting Accession Council which will formally proclaim Charles as King.
“As we mark the end of an extraordinary life that spanned most of our own, we remember the Queen as the living embodiment of service, commitment, and compassion. For Australians, Britons and our Commonwealth family alike, she leaves an enduring legacy.”
But not all of the nation mourns. In Scotland, a fish and chip shop owner celebrated the Queen’s death by spraying champagne and dancing outside her shop.
Jacki Pickett, the owner of Jaki Fish and Chip Shop in the village of Muir of Ord in the Scottish Highlands, shared a video of herself holding a sign saying “Lizard Liz Dead” and “London Bridge has Fallen”.
Crowds gather outside a London pub to watch the King’s first speech.Credit:AP
Her joy was not widely shared and her shop was pelted with eggs by angry locals. The National Federation of Fish Friers had revoked her store’s membership.
Andrew Crook, the organisation’s president, said that although “everyone is entitled to have an opinion” Pickett’s video was in “extremely bad taste” and “completely against all of the values our organisation and industry hold dear”.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
Most Viewed in World
From our partners
Source: Read Full Article
