Queen Elizabeth leaves lasting legacy

This month, after 70 years of serving as monarch of Great Britain, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 96.

“It’s always sad when someone passes away, especially when a person who is revered by so many,” Mr. Tom Kelly, social studies teacher, said. 

However, he doesn’t believe it will change much about how the country runs.  

“It will have social effects more than political effects,” Mr. Kelly said. “The monarchy does meet with foreign dignitaries and helps with the political process but it is the Parliament and the Prime Minister that have more of an effect on the country.”

Although the monarchy meet foerign dignitaries, they have no real power to govern.

“The monarchy is a figurehead that brings money for the country due to tourism,” English teach Debbie Monix said.

“I don’t think people will like or respect King Charles as much as they did the queen, but there’s really not much they can do. There may come a time that people don’t want to support a monarchy anymore, but who knows when that will happen.”

As Queen Elizabeth passes and Prince Charles becomes king, a few things will be different as his role changes.

“The monarchy in general is not allowed to meddle in public service, so they aren’t supposed to really have an opinion as it relates to anything.” Mrs. Patti Tubbs said. “Since Prince Charles who is now king feels very strongly against climate change, it’ll be interesting to see how he’s able to acknowledge what kind of a king he’ll be as it relates to his climate change and beliefs.”

According to an article in the Telegraph, Elizabeth was known as the “million mile queen.” It stated that she covered at least 1,023,513 miles and visited 117 different countries during her reign. It also states that, “She was queen regnant of 32 sovereign states during her lifetime and 15 at the time of her death.” 

“ I think she’ll be remembered not only as a queen, but as a leader for Britain,” Ms. Tubbs said. “She tried to be an example for her people and I think that after losing her family year by year, she deserves peace.”

“I think she will be remembered as someone who gave her whole life to her country,” Ms. Monix said. “Right or wrong, she seemed to put England first, even before her family.”