ESTEVAN - An Estevan woman who moved to Canada from England is reflecting on the life of Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Queen’s record-setting longevity.
Queen Elizabeth 2 died on Thursday at the age of 96, bringing an end to her 70-year reign – the longest in the history of the British monarchy.
Terry Williams said she admired the way the Queen led the Commonwealth.
“She was a very kind lady, and very caring,” said Williams, whose husband John is also British. “She cared about the country.”
Williams never met the Queen or had interactions with her, but her father met her.
“My father was quite a gentleman, and it was only good things [he had to say about her],” said Williams.
Her father also met the Queen’s son Charles, who is now King Charles 3.
“We’re all pleased that Charles will get the chance to be king,” said Williams. “He’s served loyally … and he has spent all of his life to be king.”
The new king was born to be the heir, so his entire life has been steered in that direction. She is confident that Charles will do a great job as king, and Williams believes that will be due, in part, to his mother for providing him with good guidance in life.
“He’ll be the first British king to have a degree,” said Williams.
Williams remembered the various jubilee celebrations during the Queen’s reign, and wished she could have been in England for the Platinum Jubilee festivities early this year that marked her 70 years on the throne.
She has been watching the tributes come in on Facebook and has talked to people about the Queen’s passing. Everyone is sad that she has died, and Williams noted so many people thought the Queen would live to see her 100th birthday.
While she had missed some public appearances in recent years, the Queen’s passing still seemed sudden to so many in the public, Williams said.
“She’s still the longest-reigning British monarch, and she outlived everyone,” said Williams.
The Royal Canadian Legion’s Estevan branch will host a ceremony to honour the Queen on Sept. 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the city’s cenotaph. A wreath will be laid in honour of her at 11 a.m.
And members of Estevan city council observed a moment of silence for the Queen before the start of Monday's meeting.
