Royal Update

By now we have all heard the sad news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, but what happens now?

On Thursday September 8th, it was announced that “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral” at the age of 96.

For many of us this is a time to mourn and to grieve Britain’s longest reigning monarch.

Even those of us uninterested in the royal family can respect the passing of a woman who meant so much to so many. A woman who had a family and a huge impact on British history.

Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1952 at the age of 25. Earlier this year we celebrated her 70th year on the throne, not knowing it would be her last.

A Platinum Jubilee is a tremendous feat and one that has not been attained by any other British monarch.

But what comes next?

On Monday, September 19th, a funeral will be held to commemorate the Queen’s passing.

The State Funeral will take place from 11am and the service will take place at Westminster Abbey.

The day will be a national bank holiday ensuring people have time to pay their respects.

Our new monarch

Queen Elizabeth II’s son, Charles III, has claimed the throne at the age of 73. Which makes his wife Camilla, aged 75, our Queen consort.

For the first time in 70 years, for the first in many of our lives, we have a King. This is just the first of many changes, - “change” being the key word.

A new monarch will mean replacing our current bank notes and coins. Eventually they will all have King Charles III on them.

However, that is not the only difference being made.

The picture on stamps will be updated and the national anthem is now “god save our king”.

Also, text on post boxes and flags will no longer say “EIIR” for “Elizabeth II Regina”, Regina meaning queen in Latin.

Moreover, the Royal Warrant seen on several food and drinks items may also be changed. The current products were chosen by Queen Elizabeth II herself. The new items may change to Charles' liking, or the warrant may be removed altogether.

There are a lot of changes to be made, including the ones mentioned above.

It may seem daunting to think of at this time. However, change will not take place overnight, but in the coming years.

For now, it is time to both mourn what was and to look to the future. Let us hope it is bright.