Queen Elizabeth II has died

September 8, 2022 10:39 AM

The longest reigning monarch of the UK has died, aged 96. Operation Unicorn is in effect: as of a couple of hours ago the UK has a new Monarch, a King of questionable popularity, formerly Prince Charles, aged 73.
posted by cstross (24 comments total)

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posted by box at 10:40 AM on September 8, 2022

A remarkable life, and a class act. Best wishes to all that loved her.
posted by davidmsc at 10:40 AM on September 8, 2022 [3 favorites]

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posted by ssmith at 10:40 AM on September 8, 2022

She could have turned out much worse than she did, and in a job like that, that may be as much as we could have hoped.

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posted by Etrigan at 10:42 AM on September 8, 2022 [5 favorites]

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posted by Silvery Fish at 10:42 AM on September 8, 2022

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posted by mfoight at 10:43 AM on September 8, 2022

The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen.

Does this mean Charles will change his name? Or will he become Charles III?
posted by zooropa at 10:43 AM on September 8, 2022

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posted by dlugoczaj at 10:43 AM on September 8, 2022

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posted by ageispolis at 10:43 AM on September 8, 2022

A King. This is going to take some getting used to. :(

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posted by Stuka at 10:43 AM on September 8, 2022 [1 favorite]

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posted by humbug at 10:44 AM on September 8, 2022

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posted by Superilla at 10:45 AM on September 8, 2022

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posted by doctor_negative at 10:45 AM on September 8, 2022

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posted by niicholas at 10:45 AM on September 8, 2022

♛
posted by Gelatin at 10:46 AM on September 8, 2022 [1 favorite]

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That was quick. She was pictured standing up and smiling at Balmoral just Tuesday (NYT).
posted by beagle at 10:46 AM on September 8, 2022

People have all kinds of shit to say about the monarchy. But she was a remarkable woman.


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posted by shiny blue object at 10:47 AM on September 8, 2022 [3 favorites]

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posted by JustSayNoDawg at 10:47 AM on September 8, 2022

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posted by Splunge at 10:47 AM on September 8, 2022

I hope she's recognized as one of the best monarchs in the history of the country, because she was.
posted by kevinbelt at 10:47 AM on September 8, 2022 [1 favorite]

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posted by gentlyepigrams at 10:50 AM on September 8, 2022

Until today, my life has coincided with the reigns of eight US presidents and three popes, but only one British monarch. This will take some getting used to.

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posted by Faint of Butt at 10:50 AM on September 8, 2022 [3 favorites]

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posted by sharp pointy objects at 10:50 AM on September 8, 2022

zooropa: I don't know. Charles had indicated he would change his reignal name to Arthur or Henry, but there hasn't been an official announcement yet. The news is still far too new: we're in for 10 days of national mourning, then a state funeral, then a formal state coronation some time in the next year (although he's officially the king from the moment the previous monarch dies).

Bonus extra news: we're still in the first week of a new government (editorial: elected by the members of the Conservative party—0.3% of the electorate—and apparently the most right-wing cabinet ever: I expect them to use this as a smokescreen for whatever ghastly culture wars they think they can profit from).
posted by cstross at 10:50 AM on September 8, 2022 [3 favorites]