As Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II left an indelible mark on her country.
After 70 years as Queen, her passing at the age of 96 will no doubt leave an absence felt deeply by many.
Prior to the news of her passing, thousands of Britons had already gathered at Buckingham Palace to await updates on the Queen’s health.
Source: Bloomberg
Following a heavy downpour in the afternoon, a rare double rainbow formed over the royal residence, creating a poignant scene.
Upon seeing the double rainbow, the crowd outside Buckingham Palace turned around to capture the stunning sight.
According to Bloomberg, the phenomenon was also visible over major landmarks in London like the Elizabeth Tower in Westminster and the Queen Victoria Memorial.
Source: @CNN on Twitter
As the double rainbow appeared before the announcement of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, some had interpreted it as a symbol of good luck.
However, others pointed out that it could have also symbolised Her Majesty crossing the rainbow bridge, Metro reported.
As Buckingham Palace released news of the Queen’s death, the scene outside Buckingham Palace took a sombre turn.
The crowd broke out in song, singing the country’s national anthem, ‘God Save the Queen’.
While normally sung with pride, the rendition delivered then was a mournful one, with some appearing to be teary-eyed.
In light of King Charles III’s appointment as the new King, the audience also sang the alternative, ‘God Save the King’.
The lyrics of the national anthem were changed according to the gender of the presently ruling monarch.
Since the Queen’s passing was made public, the crowd outside Buckingham Palace has grown.
Despite continued rain, many stood bravely outside the palace gates to pay their respects.
Source: NBC News
According to NBC News, civilians laid bouquets at the gates while black London taxis lined up in front of the royal residence.
One of the mourners told the outlet that the queen promised “to support her people” and “did that to the last day”.
Another compared Queen Elizabeth II’s passing to the loss of a mother to the United Kingdom (UK).
During her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II was not only a symbol of the British monarchy but the UK itself.
Her passing brings a long, illustrious chapter to an end and beckons the beginning of a new one.
We express our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the UK.
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from @MyaTipene on Twitter and @giggleandhugs on Twitter.
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