On September 8th, 2022, the news from Scotland shook everyone. Queen Elizabeth II, the former Ruler of the United Kingdom, died peacefully in Balmoral, in the afternoon on September 8, at the age of 96 years. Although there were concerns surrounding her health in recent years, especially after the death of her husband Prince Philip Mountbatten, the news of her death came as a surprise globally. The reason for her death was “old age.”
 

Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21st, 1926, and enthroned on February 6th, 1952. Until the date of her death, she served as the Queen, for over 70 years in all. This is the second longest regime ever recorded, following King Louis XIV’s 72-year record. She had no political power, as the UK was a Constitutional Monarchy even before her coronation.
 

The de facto national anthem of the UK, “God Save the Queen,” has now become “God Save the King.” This is only the smallest of the changes to have emerged after the Queen’s passing. As Queen Elizabeth II was the icon of the country, most symbols, including the currency, had been designed after her. Now, the portrait printed on the Pound Sterling (GBP), the currency of the UK, will be changed in the near future.

Prince Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, succeeded her. The late Queen’s funeral was held over 12 days, starting the day after the date of her death. During this period, approximately 250,000 people visited the Palace of Westminster to mourn and view her coffin, according to Michelle Donelan, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport of the United Kingdom. Over 29 million people watched the Queen’s funeral service, as the television data shows.

The number of people who mourned Queen Elizabeth II reflects her immense popularity. She was one of the most popular and most respected national leaders in the world. Before devoting her life to serving as the Queen, she also served in the Royal Army and fought in the war. During her reign, she caused little public controversy, unlike other members of the Royal Household. Some say the reason the UK could keep such an outdated system functioning was the popularity of the Queen. 

Without such popularity, the UK may not have retained the monarchy. King Charles III succeeded her, but does not seem to enjoy as much fame and respect, given the scandals and controversies that follow him. Some say that keeping the monarchy is both a waste of taxes and a contradiction of the idea of equality. Seemingly conscious of public opinion, King Charles III decided that his coronation would be “shorter and on a smaller scale.” He may move the royal residence from Buckingham Palace to one of his houses, most likely Clarence House, where he and his wife, Camilla, the Queen Consort, have been living. Buckingham Palace may mostly remain the administrative headquarters of the British Monarch, even without the function of a royal residence.

The UOS Times interviewed two students who have had keen interest in the British Royalty, with opposing views. Student J is a Korean who studied in a British high school and has UK citizenship. Student L is an exchange student in Korea, who lived in Muslim culture for the most part of her life.  

How did you feel when you heard the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death?

Student J 
Like most UK citizens, I would always think of Queen Elizabeth II like my grandmother. The news of her death felt as though my own grandmother had died. As sad as her death is, I have faith in the new King, and I will support his reign.

Student L
As a person, I do think it is a tragedy to see somebody die. However, I don’t have the emotional attachment to Queen Elizabeth II as do the British or some other people. I respect those who mourn her, but I do not believe that her death is any more tragic or surprising than that of any other public figure I know.

Do you think the British Monarchy should continue? Why?

Student J 
The British Monarchy is keeping the kingdom “united.” It is not only the symbol of the country, but also what inspires patriotism in UK citizens. The British Monarch and Royal Household serve as representatives of the UK. Whereas Members of Parliament and the Prime Minister hold actual political power, the monarch handles state affairs. Having a Royal Household makes the UK special, and I believe it should continue.

Student L
I believe the death of Queen Elizabeth II offers the UK a good opportunity to end colonialism and imperialism. Right after her coronation, numerous Kenyans were tortured by the British colonial government. Further, 20 years later, in the Northern Irelands, there was a “Bloody Sunday” massacre in which dozens of people were hurt and killed by the colonists. The Queen never tried to stop or prevent these tragedies. I think she connived to enable and continue British colonialism. The monarchy may be considered a colonial remnant of the British Empire from before.

Kim Ye-il 
lavieenrose0705@uos.ac.kr