ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – People from the U.K. gathered at a British Pub in St. Augustine to pay respect to the British Monarch following the death Thursday of Queen Elizabeth II.
News4JAX talked to a few people who described what it’s been like since the queen’s passing and were thankful to have the Kings Head British Club as a place of fellowship during a time like this.
Joe Atkinson and Jonathan Rogers, both from the U.K., were at the bar among the others paying their respects, wearing British colors, black armbands and mourning the loss of the queen.
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Atkinson remembered Queen Elizabeth as a “great lady.”
“A lot of emotions and a lot of people are unhappy. She was a good ol’ lady as our mother was before,” Atkinson said.
“It would be something like if your mother died very old -- you know it’s going to happen, but when it does, it doesn’t make it any better,” Rogers said.
People also shared fond memories of the queen and encouraged others to watch how all the pomp and circumstance play out until King Charles III takes the thrown. Until that transition, they said they will continue their traditions as they always have, honoring their home.
Rogers has a very fond memory that he loves to share with others when he is talking about the Royal Family.
He shared a picture of himself and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother from 1973. Rogers said he was sick in bed while onboard HMS Ark Royal in the picture.
“So, because my mother couldn’t make it, the Queen mother came for a visit instead. Quite nice of her, I thought,” Rogers said.
After a 70-year reign Queen Elizabeth’s son, King Charles, will take the throne.
“I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands, and of the common rule realms and territories throughout the world,” King Charles said in his address Friday after the loss of his mother.
Rogers said he is optimistic about King Charles and talked about his experience working with the King.
“We have a king. God bless the king,” Rogers said. “I worked with him in the royal navy. He was a nice, very intelligent man. They look forward to watching history be made in their country -- after an impactful British Monarch is laid to rest,” Rogers said.
In the wake of the queen’s death, if you would like to offer a message of condolence, you can do so by visiting our online form.