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Queen Elizabeth Ⅱ, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, died Thursday afternoon at 96.
Her 70-year-long reign spanned remarkable periods in both British and world history. Having ascended to the throne in 1952 at only 25 years of age, Elizabeth’s reign saw 15 prime ministers, 13 U.S. presidents, the decline of the British Empire and years of royal family upheaval.
Her eldest son Charles, who has ascended to the British throne with the title of King Charles Ⅲ, described the queen’s death as “a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.”
The queen’s death has also had a great impact on USC students, especially those that have spent time living in the UK.
Sophomore Daniela Cahalan, who has lived in London since she was two years old, reflected on the difference in reactions to Queen Elizabeth’s death between her friends from the United States and friends from the UK.
“I think I was the one who broke the news in my class and the first few reactions were jokes, more than anything,” Cahalan said. “My [UK] friends were more sad and sort of shocked, whereas here I felt like there were more jokes and everyone was getting ready to make the next meme.”
Cahalan elaborated on the potential reasons for this difference in reaction, mentioning her and her friends’ reflection on their childhood.
“A lot of the events that we enjoyed at school, or just our lives in general, involved the monarchy or the national celebrations for the monarchy,” Cahalan said. “It’s a big part of the British school system to learn about the monarchy and the queen and everything they do, so I think we reflect on that and then that’s why we were sad.”
Domingo Powell, a sophomore from London studying international relations and global business, reflected on Queen Elizabeth’s global impact.
“I think it’s had a more profound impact than I expected,” Powell said. “I didn’t realize that the queen’s influence reached across the pond all the way to America. Everyone’s been coming up to me today and saying, ‘I’m so sorry for your loss.’ This is quite a lot, considering in the U.K., [the queen’s death is] taken as a huge deal.”
Despite Charles’ ascension, Queen Elizabeth leaves behind an immense void to fill.
“I think she was somewhat of a figure of stability,” Cahalan said. “She was always there just to say something positive.”