Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest reigning monarch (70 years) died today (8 September 2022) at the age of 96.
At the risk of seeming to dodge the question, it is far too early to tell. Though consequences there may certainly be.
In the short term, as much as even one or two years out, not much is apt to happen. The Prince of Wales is now King Charles III - grant that the auguries of the two previous King Charles were not happy - and a coronation will take place in a year. In the short term, the funeral for the late Queen Elizabeth is apt to produce a "rallying around effect."
People tend to look for stability and reassurance in times of change and thus the Queen's death and the accession of King Charles will lead to a period of relative stability. People will seek to steady the ship until there is a better sense of where things stand.
In the longer term, things could change fairly significantly. The monarchy overall remains popular in the UK but among the younger generation - grant that as a demographic the younger generation is shrinking as birthrates decline - is somewhat less supportive. If over time it turns out that the prestige of Queen Elizabeth was a source of that support for the monarchy, and if King Charles proves a less popular figure, the future of the monarchy could be in doubt.
This does not seem likely as the end of the monarchy has happened zero of the last 200 times it was predicted. However, with new technologies, as the British sense of identity has declined somewhat, torn between the internationalism of the European Union - Brexit notwithstanding - and the independence movements in Scotland (and to a lesser extent Wales) - the monarchy, as a symbol of and reinforcing element in the sense of British identity, could end.
This in turn perhaps leading to the end of the United Kingdom itself. Indeed, the Scottish and Welsh independence movement - as well as the separatist tendencies in Ulster (Northern Ireland) - have gained momentum since Brexit. This, in part, because post-Brexit the British economy has not done well.
Grant that the economic difficulties in the UK have not much to do with Brexit as the EU is doing even worse. Still, the rising sense of "super-nationalism" in Scotland and such has drawn strength from British problems. In any case the institution of the monarchy and the prestige of Queen Elizabeth II mitigated against this rising supernationalist tide.
It remains to be seen only if it was the institution of the monarchy of the popularity of the Queen that mattered more. If the former, the UK should remain. If the latter, the future of the UK could be in serious trouble - this of course also depending on how well King Charles handles these early years.
As far as the rest of the world, the Commonwealth may be impacted and may lose some members. Most of its member states became independent under Queen Elizabeth but retained the House of Windsor as their own monarchy. Again, if it was the prestige of the Queen that caused them to retain the House of Windsor as their own royal house, many may become republics and even opt out of Commonwealth membership. (Though the Commonwealth now includes republics and even one republic that was never a British colony - Mozambique. So that issue will be in flux.
Finally, at the broadest level, worst case scenario, if the UK breaks up, that would be a massive earthquake. The UK is the world's 5th largest industrialized economy and a nuclear power. Break that up and the effects will ricochet around the globe with unpredictable consequences. On the flip side, if the reign of King Charles is relatively stable and broadly accepted, the prestige of the UK will increase and things will go on pretty much as they have.
So stay tuned. Only time will tell what happens next. If you are taking bets, the most likely outcome is the status quo. However, that is not 100% assured by any means.
Not a monarchist but respected her. I knew she drove ambulances during WWII, I remember the story of her sneaking out and partying with normal people when VE Day was announced. She could strip down and rebuild a Land Rover, a trained mechanic.
I've literally just read a story of her and her sister running in the gardens distracting the soldiers protecting them and generally just having fun.
Read and seen many stories that she wasn't as straight laced as people think and had a wicked sense of humour. She called people by their nicknames and laughed and joked a lot out of the public eye.
This was her public duty, something she was born into. She served it well, despite me not agreeing with it's existence. She was the one constant in a ever changing world.
This will pass and the world will move on, including the UK but I cannot say the royal family will hold the same connection she had with the people.
As I say I am not a monarchist but this has left an emptiness inside me I last felt on September 11th. Of that magnitude that it's left me numb.
I will always love that woman but I know that a LOT of people are celebrating/pushing for the abolishment of the monarchy (there are Brits who want to become a republic but as a royalist and general critic of our political leaders in the past few years, I really don't want more of this stupid government and I do like having the monarchy as the figurehead, they do a lot for international relations I think), Commonwealth countries are ready to remove the now-King Charles as head of state, people (aka those who watch the Crown or remember Diana) wouldn't really like Charles and Camilla as King and Queen Consort, and of course there are Harry and Meghan supporters emboldened by how Archie and Lili are now prince and princess and 6th and 7th in line. Outside of the Commonwealth, and countries personally linked with the monarchy's history (Ireland, Scotland, Wales, past African and Asian colonies) the rest of the world don't really get affected though.
I think, despite whatever your political leanings are, the Queen was a really big part of our culture. Not just because the majority of Brits have had her as monarch since birth but also just because she was really cool, she lived through countless wars and historical moments.
There'll be a lot of problems in Charles' rule, from the British public and Commonwealth nations. I really hope the monarchy don't fuck it up like they've done with the Harry and Meghan situation - Charles should officially remove Andrew from public, he should seek compromise and appeasement with political dissents and the royal family overall should become more likeable and tolerable for POC and the young, especially because we're going through an energy and living crisis where people are questioning how much money the monarchy spend whilst the rest of us struggle.
Hi, I'm a brit here!
Now that i think of it, the Queen was the fabric of our country. When people think of "Great Britain", the first things that comes to mind is The Queen and The Monarchy. We've now lost our sovereign so in some sense it's almost as if we've lost our identity as a country.
Also, The Queen seems to have been a constant in all our lives. There are some of us who weren't alive when Margaret Thatcher was prime minister, but we were all there when the Queen had her 67th platinum jubilee. As with any loss it'll take adjusting to.
I've got so much more to say. My words are a bit scrambled right now as its almost 6am. But irregardless I think I've got my point across.
Condolences to the Royal family and may she rest in peace.
We also have the Queen on our currency. The currency we depend on day in and day out. Crazy to think we'll no longer see her face when we take out a five pound bill.
Opinion
45Opinion
I'm not a royalist but still respect that an elderly lady has died and left a family in grief. Surely we can all relate to that and respect it at least?
I do not envy Charles taking on this mantle. His life will not be his own anymore.
In terms of effects, who knows. Certainly it affects the Privy Council that decides what laws get the royal ascent or not.
For the costs of maintaining the royal family, that has certainly diminished and now costs only 60 something pence per person per year directly. Not sure about the tax breaks on top of that. What they bring in to the country in terms of tourism etc likely outweighs this.
Charles is a very different character and as king may bring a new element to the monarchy. Keeping them relevant across the UK and Commonwealth could be a challenge. But I think they still provide another level of moderation over what a republic has, which can be a good thing.
Some of the historical issues around the empire still need dealing with.
We'll see.
As a person living in the UK, it feels quite surreal. I’m not a tory or a royalist, but the queen has been there throughout everyone’s lives, she almost felt invincible in a way and immortal. It will be strange having a King rather than a Queen, she’s witnessed so much change in her life and is just iconic.
I would expect now that the monarchy and its importance will start to die out though, people don’t care as much now, we dealt with the Queen as she had been around forever but now we will see more change and no one will reign as long as she did (for a long time anyway)
The monarch has to be politically neutral in the UK but it'll be interesting to see if Charles bends this rule on certain issues and if he can advise politicians on matters of state as well as the Queen.
Also it'll be interesting to see how the natives in our colonies react. The younger ones aren't as fond of the monarchy as their parents once were and now Charles is king there could be rumblings.
1st of all may she R. I. P
In my personal opinion, nothing will change in the world because when she was alive she had no role and no power over anything and for the world she was just a queen but unlike the kings and queens of the middle ages who ruled and had power in their hands, she was just queen of legacy but the whole power is in the hands of British PM and other parties and politicians!
The royal family means nothing to me because i'm not a U. K citizen, also i do not like the kings and queens dynasty, also what made me learn more about the royal family is the death of lady Diana because she was the one who brought the spotlight on the royal family...
The queen's husband died not from a long time ago and i guess she followed him now, i hope that we will be able to live long and healthy like her, in the end she was a 96 y. o lady, now she went to meet the real king!
Again i hope that she R. I. P and that her son continue her path and legacy!
u On of the sad realities of death is that, for maybe one person, their life is interrupted permanently; for a few people, their lives are interrupted for a few days to perhaps a few weeks, and for the rest of the world, they go about their lives as if you never existed.
I was surprised to hear the news, having recently watched her on a video on Tiktok. I don't know how it will affect the UK, some older people may be sad to see her go, and some might not. But she was a spunky, interesting lady, and while it won't affect me, I'm sure her family will miss her sorely.
I was waiting for her to pass before the day was done honestly and even asked a question about it before she went as well.
Personally I see that Charles is now King and it is the end of an era and start of a new. In regards to rule and the political side, I never indulged or cared for British monarchy and how they run/ran things. That's their business and they can sort that out on their end.
Will take a minute to get used to saying King again.
As a US citizen, the UK monarchy is not something I am all that interested in. I do have friends that live in the UK and with the Queen's death, the country is in a state of mourning. I respected the Queen but honestly, I have no respect for her children. I think there is a good chance that "King" Charles will destroy the monarchy. I look for him to restore Andrew. I hope I am wrong. One of my UK friends told me once almost 30 years ago that he felt like the Queen believed she belonged to the people of the Commonwealth. I don't think Charles feels this way. However, regardless of what happens. It is not any of my business and it won't change my life in any way.
Try looking up what good she did you won’t get a Fast result ya gotta read articles to figure out what she did but Queen Elizabeth l you can look up what she did and get a fast result and you don’t need to read articles to figure out the good the original Queen Elizabeth did I don’t like The Second Queen Elizabeth because the simple fact that she’s a follower and It’s harder to find out what good she did than it is the original Queen and The U. K is a bad place to live when it came to Police Brutality so That just says more about Queen Elizabeth 2 and definitely doesn’t point to Being a good person I don’t believe Queen Elizabeth The copycat was a good person considering how bad the police are in the UK
Queen Elizabeth the copycat makes the original Queen Elizabeth look bad
It’s going to be strange without her. I’m 24 and throughout everything we’ve faced here in the UK, all the changes and such, she was the one constant. Throughout everything changing she was always there. It just doesn’t feel right knowing she won’t be here anymore.
I think it affects the hardest on her family members, then her millions of followers.
I find the hype of monarchs unfair, compared to those who risk their lives at work on daily basis to save lives of those unknown to them. Their sacrifice is the reason we have peace. Not just soldiers, but cops, firefighters, coast guards, security staff, and countless brave souls that have fallen in the process of saving others.
God save us all, not just a queen.
It'll be fine if King Chuck follows his mother's wishes and does his duty while keeping his trap shut. Queen Elizabeth was an ideal figurehead. She was, above all else, respectful of the democratic institution she was part of, and she knew the days of monarchical power were past. I hope Charles understands his place. I think he may have trouble if he pushes for more.
Who cares? Royalty has got to be the dumbest thing ever. People famous because they were either born to someone famous or married someone famous who is famous because they either were born to someone famous or married someone famous who is famous because they married or were born to someone famous and on and on and on. It's like the Kardashians on steroids.
Some things might change in the UK and also in Commonwealth. However, her passing won't make a difference for the rest of the world.
Well don’t be rude 😆
@light909090 she ain't rude, she's just saying the truth...
@TonyMetal___86 Yes, that's exactly what I meant.
The Truth is Rude
The world, not really much at all, The Realm, however, will see a little change, mostly cultural. From what I understand, aside from being cultural leaders, the monarchy in England are mostly ceremonial/ figureheads... But, that's still important for a country.
She was an icon. I've been around 66 years and she was queen my entire life. Many other leaders have come and gone in that time, yet she remained. We all knew her time was short but this is still sad.
We can expect a renewed push to remove the monarch as head of state in places like Australia. If the leftists can’t accomplish this with Charles as king, they’ll never get it done.
I don't know, the UK might be sad for short? The UK magazines are definitely going to slaughter this topic tho
But I think the rest of the world will lose interest in this topic in a few days and not really care lol I don't think her dead was as impactful like Diana's, my mom still is sad for her tragic unfair ending
It won't.
In fact there will not be much difference as her throne has already been filled.
If she had no direct decedents, then there would have been problems.
I think the UK has a mountain of problems that are more pressing than this. But it is kind of a shock/surprised because she's been there for so long. Born in the 20s that's a long time :0
Politically not at all. Doubt there will be any change due to it. It is possible Australia and maybe other commonwealth countries might become republics but that is small beer.
It has been said that King Charles will not really do anything radically different so i don't really think it will be a hard transition.
The UK this morning feels less than it did yesterday morning, and probably the rest of the Commonwealth countries are feeling the same, we wait to see if Charles III is going to be as impartial and serves as well as his mother.
I don't see that anything will change significantly.
I perceived her as a very likeable individual person.
But monarchs had died since centuries - and the countries involved never ceased to function. After all, the job ''position'' was immediately filled up by King Charles.
I don’t think much will happen after her funeral, other than King Charles making lots of appearances and speeches.
I don't think a whole lot will change world wide.
i honestly do not know what she contributes to society. i also honestly do not know why americans care so much about her. how has she helped americans?
The English like their monarchs, so they will be sad for a while. The rest of the world will not be affected by her death, one way or another.
u Not sure. May she rest in peace. My condolences to Great Britain.
Your monarch gets wax when Q comes... 9/8/2022... [9+8= 17 = Q] 1776 days after Q first post. Timing is everything.
Tiocfaidh ár lá!!
Your day HAS come, a free and independent Irish Republic, a member of the EU.
It strikes me that the world has not said "God save the King" for 70 years.
Personally I am saddened at the passing of Her Royal Majesty.
King Charles will just sit in the rain and drink tea like every other Redcoat.
not sure honestly. i don't think it'll affect my country. it is pretty sad tho, but she was old and lived a great life i can only assume.
It probably won't affect the world one iota; however, it may definitely the British psyche. They will probably mourn, then get over it.
I don't give a shit, and I'm surprised anyone gives a shit.
Same kind of people who went along with the covid debacle, I guess.
UK has very little influence Now on Asian Countries So No Effect on death of any Queen or king !
If UK wants some financial help then My Country can help UK with Money @AviatorTom
The uk will become a lot more progressive. That’s definitely what will happen.
I've cried an unreasonable amount
Why were you crying? 😏
Are you related to her somehow?
@TonyMetal___86 it's sad
I hope that you will have a nice comfortable healthy happy life like she did and to live long like her miss doozy 😌
@exitseven 😂😂
Hardly at all. She has had little influence on British politics for many decades, if ever.
Yawwwwwnnnnnnnnn...
Don't know, don't care.
Entire concept of a "Royal Family" is long since lost its significance.
It's sad.
At least she passed quickly for her sake.
Going to be hard to replace her.
Nothing will change. She didn't do much besides believe in eugenics, and act as a figure head.
She doesn't do anything anyway so world will be grand
You do realize, I hope, that her visit to your country in 2011 was the first time a British monarch visited, which brought relevance to your country, recognized its independence, and helped establish a peace with the north. So please don't say she never did anything.
We were always free and didn't need her to tell us that 800 fighting and they still hold the north of Ireland I'm very aware of my history my good man maybe you should learn more about it before speaking
What did she ever do for the world? Nothing, don't care honestly. She was just a public figure
Who cares 😂
The UK is in state of mouring right now it will last till the Queens Funeral.
Won't have any affect, she became no more than a public figure. No real impact on the world.
Hopefully the age of Darkness can now commence.
I will miss singing God Save The Queen
One thing is for sure Feminist will be angry once they hear England have a KING lol.
Unless you're in her will, your life won't change a bit.
Long line the King, next 💪
King Charles III is bonkers.
She contributed nothing to modern day society.
The commonwealth is screwed now
It won't affect anyone
Most likely nothing will change
God bless her Soul
Who cares?
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