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From White House's half-mast flag to dark Eiffel Tower: How the world joined Britain in mourning Queen’s death

The whole world joined the people of Britain to mourn the loss of their beloved Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-regining monarch, who died on September 9, 2022

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: An era has ended after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled the UK for over seventy years. The 96-year-old died at Balmoral Castle on Thursday afternoon, September 8. In a statement, Buckingham Palace said, “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

After the news broke, the whole world joined the people of Britain to mourn the loss. US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden paid tribute to the monarch by writing, “She was the first British monarch to whom people all around the world could feel a personal and immediate connection—whether they heard her on the radio as a young princess speaking to the children of the United Kingdom, or gathered around their televisions for her coronation, or watched her final Christmas speech or her Platinum Jubilee on their phones. And she, in turn, dedicated her whole life to their service.”

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“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years. I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century,” French President Emmanuel Macron posted on Twitter.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, the country which was under British rule for around 89 years, tweeted, “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered as a stalwart of our times. She provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people. She personified dignity and decency in public life. Pained by her demise. My thoughts are with her family and people of the UK in this sad hour.”

However, not just words, famous world buildings, and monuments were also used to honor the late Queen. The London Eye went dark after sunset as in a statement it said, “The London Eye joins with mourners around the world during this period of national remembrance. In honor of Her Majesty we will switch off our lights from sunset this evening.”

Besides, the White House flag was dropped to half-mast on the orders of Biden, who said, “As a mark of respect for the memory of Queen Elizabeth II, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds.”

In New York, the Empire State Building glowed in purple and silver in remembrance of the Queen. “Tonight, our tower lights will shine in purple and sparkle in silver to honor the life and legacy of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II,” the official account of the structure tweeted.

Similarly in France’s Paris, the lights of the iconic Eiffel Tower were turned off. The official Twitter page of the monument said, “In tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, tonight, I will turn my lights off at midnight. #QueenElizabethII.”

Drew Hammill, Deputy Chief of Staff, tweeted, “Speaker Pelosi has ordered the flags at the US Capitol to be flown at half-staff due to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”

Israel’s Tel Aviv chose to present the Union Jack on the city hall façade in memory of Her Majesty. Writer Avi Mayer wrote, “Tel Aviv City Hall has been illuminated as the Union Jack in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and in solidarity with the British people as they mourn her passing.”

New Zealand’s Auckland War Memorial Museum’s along with all government buildings reportedly lowered the nation’s flags at half-mast.

Apart from these, people in Canada reportedly went to the British High Commission to place flowers in memory of the Queen. Irish people also visited Hillsborough Castle to pay their respect to the late monarch.