The end of an era: Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom and Head of the British Commonwealth of Nations passed away last night (Thursday) after 70 years on the throne. Earlier, word came regarding her deteriorating medical condition, and after family members came to stay with her in the palace in Scotland, she died at the age of 96. A year and a half ago, her husband, Prince Philip, passed away at the age of 99. Today, Operation “London Bridge” began, the operation to separate the Queen.
Already in the sixties the British were preparing for the possible death of the Queen, according to a special document the operation was called “London Bridge”. Her son, Prince Charles will officially become king in the presence of government officials. King Charles III will make his first speech this evening at eight o’clock, for the first time while on the throne. After his speech, a salvo will be held in honor of the queen, which will include 96 shots, as the number of years of her life. In churches and monasteries the bells will ring in memory of the queen.
Photo: shutterstock
Also, a special operation is expected to move her body from Scotland to London and the British officials will pass by the coffin. The parliament is expected to stop its activities for the ten days of mourning, until the funeral which is expected to take place on September 19. Four days before the funeral, her coffin will be placed in Westminster Hall to allow the citizens of the kingdom to pay her last respects. In the coming days, rehearsals will be held throughout the kingdom under the code name “Operation Lion”, rehearsals that will simulate the funeral procession. Flags throughout the kingdom were lowered to half-mast.
Prince Charles. Photo: Photo by Flash90
President Herzog: was a historical figure – she lived history, she created history
Representatives from all ends of the political spectrum offered their condolences to the British people. President Yitzhak Herzog paid her tribute: “Queen Elizabeth was a historical figure – she lived history, she created history, and left behind a magnificent and inspiring legacy. As the 11th Israeli president who served during her term, and on behalf of the State of Israel and the people of Israel, I wish to offer my condolences to the King Incoming Charles and the entire royal family, the British people, the United Kingdom and the entire Commonwealth of Nations.
“During her long and significant tenure – the world changed dramatically, and in the face of this change she was a symbol of stable and responsible leadership, and a beacon of morality, humanity, and patriotism. In her life and in her service to her people, she reflected the spirit of deep-rooted tradition, integrity, and mission. My late father and mother were accepted By her personally several times over the years by virtue of her position, and her lightening of the face and warm hospitality left a mark that passed on in our family.”
Harry and family members Photo: shutterstock
Lapid: an extraordinary figure, a unique leader who symbolized devotion and love for her homeland
Prime Minister Yair Lapid said: “On behalf of the Government of Israel and the citizens of Israel, I send my condolences to the royal family and the citizens of the United Kingdom on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen is an extraordinary figure, a unique leader who symbolized devotion and love for her homeland.”
“My condolences to the British people and the royal family on the death of Queen Elizabeth II,” said Defense Minister Benny Gantz, “The queen served England and the international community for over 70 years, and played an important part in the prosperity of relations between Israel and Britain. May her memory be blessed.”
Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90
The chairman of the opposition, Binyamin Netanyahu, who had the privilege of meeting the Queen as a leader, paid tribute to her and said: “My wife Sara and I, together with all the citizens of Israel, are sorry from the bottom of our hearts for the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of England. At the funeral ceremony of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in which we participated, we met and were deeply impressed by her special personality that radiated majesty and grandeur. She was a beacon of stability, strength, brotherhood and peace. In her lifetime, she wrote contemporary history and contributed so much to the benefit of humanity and its future. R.I.P”.