A sad milestone in our history

The present generation is living through the passing of a milestone in history, the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Narrabri Shire community has joined the national, Commonwealth and indeed, the wider international community in mourning the death of the Queen on September 8, 2022.

The death of the Queen, aged 96, came relatively suddenly and despite her age, was a shock.

For generations, 70 years as ruler, the Queen has always been there and her constancy and steadying role has been a reassuring one for so many.

Her stoicism and the performance of her duty under all circumstances, were values of another era and rarely seen nowadays.

Queen Elizabeth died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland after Buckingham Palace revealed she was under medical supervision. The queen will lie in state before the funeral on September 19.

Her son King Charles immediately ascended the throne following his mother’s death.

“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” Charles said.

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”

The Queen was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.

During her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II advised 15 British prime ministers, met 12 American presidents, and lent her name to over 600 charitable organisations.

With her consort Prince Philip by her side until his death in 2021, she saw the evolution of Britain from an imperial power to a multicultural country.

The longevity of the queen’s reign is unlikely to be repeated. Her successor King Charles III, is Britain’s longest-serving heir-apparent and is the oldest new monarch in Britain’s history.

Community response to the accession of King Charles has been positive and Charles has been praised for the dignity which he has brought to his ascendancy and sad transition.