Callie Frye: Reactions from U.K. on Queen’s death

Callie Frye, Daily Moth Reporter:
I planned my vacation in the U.K. in advance and booked a flight to London on Wednesday, September 7. I wanted to stay for only two days and then travel to Edinburgh, Scotland and around. When I came to London on Wednesday, September 7th, I explored the city. The next day, Thursday, September 8th, I saw news announcements at various pubs, restaurants, and at my Airbnb that the Queen was under medical supervision. I was taken aback. Her family members flew in to visit the Queen in Balmoral. News outlets showed images of the Queen — her final photograph — of her shaking hands with the 15th British P.M. Liz Truss. In the photo, you could see that the Queen's hand was darker in color and appeared to be black.

[Photograph of Queen Elizabeth shaking hands with PM Truss. The Queen’s right hand appears to be bruised and darkened].

Her family members flew in. And that afternoon, Alex texted me that the Queen had died. I checked the news and it was true. I observed people’s reactions around me and looked through the window of my Airbnb to see reactions. Things felt off. Later that night, there were many people who went to Buckingham Palace to put flowers and cards. I didn’t attend, but my friend sent me pictures and I’m grateful.

[Images of mourners and visitors at the exterior area of Buckingham Palace during nighttime. It is raining outside and many are holding umbrellas. Some are taking selfies.]

So how did I feel being here in the U.K.? The Queen has passed away! During the nighttime, as I was taking an Uber to a restaurant, I saw many signs at bus stops showing the Queen’s face with her birth year and year of death. On Friday morning, before I flew to Edinburgh with my friend, I noticed that many K-12 pupils were dressed in all black. Then I saw on the news that the Queen’s coffin would travel in a hearse from Balmoral — Scotland, where she died — on a route through different towns and then go through Edinburgh. I was amazed because I was going there. So when I got here in Edinburgh, I found that my Airbnb was on the route where the Queen’s procession would go through.

[Callie films herself upstairs in her Airbnb home]

My Airbnb place is on a well-known street called the Royal Mile. This is where the Queen’s body will come through.

[Video clip showing the Queen’s coffin traveling in a hearse along a procession. The street is blocked off with hundreds of people lined up on either side.]

I was a part of a historical event in the U.K. Wow.

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I thought of deaf people in the U.K., about their thoughts and how they felt. So I asked some questions and they shared. Check this out.

Trudi Collier: My family and my friends look at the Queen as the top person in the U.K. We know she is important all over the world. Her family is also well-known globally. So it has been a long time, 70 years. There was a platinum jubilee recently to celebrate her 70 years of reign. So it felt like the Queen would be here forever. Without no end, as if she would never die. But she died. When the announcement went out, I felt sadness. Now, there is a new king. I’m feeling a bit unsure. I’m so used to him being a prince so it is hard to see him as a king. But now I know that he truly is the king, and I wonder what he will do. Will he do things differently from the Queen? So I am pondering and very interested in what is to come.

Robert Adam: The Queen’s death is a huge event. She has been a part of our lives, our currency, our postage, and passports. In the U.S., you have the IRS but here it is called “HMRC.” The Queen’s name is on many different things. There is a new train service in London called the Elizabeth Line. So now she’s departed. It is a good time to ponder about who is around us, our system of government, and how other countries in the British Empire during the time of colonialism — they were exploited — to have a discussion. It is good for us to talk about it. Who are we? Well, many people still support the monarchy. So will we grab this opportunity to have a discussion? I’m not sure. It is a huge historical moment happening this week. The last time it happened was 70 years ago. I’m watching TV to see what is happening. All the processions with various troops. It’s based on ancient feudal times. Is it good? Time for a discussion!