Queen Elizabeth II dies at age 96

[thspfc]

It would be one thing if we lived in the country she was actually queen of. But we don't. Her death is a mere curiosity here. It doesn't justify prime time coverage.

The point of the American Revolution was not to ensure we would never care about the UK again; it was to ensure we would have the freedom to choose whether to do so.

If PBS expected their viewership for the documentary to be less than for the funeral replay . . . then give the people what they want.

100%

[bulldog1979]

A friend last night though provided a good take on the passing of HM The Queen. Many people followed the events for reasons similar to following the election of a new pope. The events may not have much personal impact, as many of us are not citizens of a Commonwealth realm or Catholic, but they are a window into the traditions of history that don't happen every day.

While we elect and inaugurate a president every four years, a Demise of the Crown is much less infrequent. From the formation of the United States onward, this is only the ninth, and the first in the living memory of most of our population. Yes, much of that is due to the longevity of two queens who collectively reigned for over 164 years, but it is still an unpredictable and infrequent occurrence.

I have more personal reasons, which I'll share at some later time, but for me, it was a matter of respect for a very remarkable person to follow the events leading up to the funeral.

[JayhawkCO]

I'll be blunt. To me, it felt like the O.J. trial. Something that consumed the "front page" of all news outlets that seemed to make no sense the amount of attention that it was getting. Hell, part of the U.S. got crushed by a hurricane and the entire territory was without power and no one gave a shit.

[triplemultiplex]

All I can think about during this whole thing:

[elsmere241]

Yes, it's telling that the UK's national anthem is about the monarchy, while the USA's is about the flag.

And now the directed allegiance will match too:

https://punchng.com/millions-to-swear-allegiance-to-king-charles-in-historic-coronation/

During the homage, 150 million people across the UK and Commonwealth will be called upon to say: "˜I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.' After a fanfare, the public will add: "˜God save King Charles. Long live King Charles. May the King live for ever.'

[mgk920]

Yes, it's telling that the UK's national anthem is about the monarchy, while the USA's is about the flag.

And now the directed allegiance will match too:

https://punchng.com/millions-to-swear-allegiance-to-king-charles-in-historic-coronation/

During the homage, 150 million people across the UK and Commonwealth will be called upon to say: "˜I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.' After a fanfare, the public will add: "˜God save King Charles. Long live King Charles. May the King live for ever.'

And sing "God Save the King".



Mike

[LilianaUwU]

All I gotta say about today's royal event is "ugh".

[J N Winkler]

All I gotta say about today's royal event is "ugh".

In the words of John Crace, the Guardian's parliamentary sketch writer:  "Strong bladders required."

[LilianaUwU]

All I gotta say about today's royal event is "ugh".

In the words of John Crace, the Guardian's parliamentary sketch writer:  "Strong bladders required."

The need for a strong bladder is the least of my problems here.

[ClassicHasClass]

I'm certain we'll be in the minority, but my wife (Aussie) and I (dual Aussie-US) got up at 2:30am U.S. Pacific time and watched it live. We found it interesting and liked the historical aspects.

[J N Winkler]

Today the Guardian reports that public bodies in Britain incurred expenses aggregating to £161.7 million in connection with the Queen's death.

[Ted$8roadFan]

Today the Guardian reports that public bodies in Britain incurred expenses aggregating to £161.7 million in connection with the Queen's death.

That's about $200m USD.