Queen Elizabeth II died aged 96, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday, 8 September 2022. She reigned for 70 years.
Tributes from the public and world leaders have been received, including from UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, who said the Queen “was the rock” on which modern Britain was built.
US President Joe Biden paid his respects describing Queen Elizabeth II as “more than a monarch” and a “stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy.”
However, the Queen’s death has been received with mixed feelings, especially in formerly colonized nations, with more radical voices pointing out concern over celebrating the life of a monarch who at some point rules over 25% of the globe.
From South Africa, the vocal Pan-Africanist Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters party sparked controversy, likening sympathy for the British royal family to celebrating colonialism.
Queen Elizabeth II owns the largest clear-cut diamond in the world. Known as ‘The Great Star of Africa the 530 carats gem was mined in South Africa back in 1905 and has an estimated worth of U.S$400 Million.
In a statement released on Friday, Malema said “We do not mourn the death of Elizabeth, because to us her death is a reminder of a very tragic period in this country and Africa’s history.”
The late Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was thrust onto the throne while in her 20s following the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936 and the early death of her father King George VI. She ascended to the throne in 1952 and since then presided as head of state of the UK, leader of the later Commonwealth nations, commander in chief of the UK military, and head of the Church of England.
She is the longest-reigning monarch in British history and the second longest in recorded history after French King Louis XIV. Her eldest son, Prince Charles, is next in line to take the throne.
Last updated: 12 September, 2022
