Local royal watchers, who come from England themselves, are mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, while remembering her legacy of service.
Margery and Dean Muharrem were on hand Friday at the Chatham Legion, where guests took part in a toast that felt surreal to many.
“God bless the Queen. Long live the King.”
The Queen died Thursday at the age of 96.
“You know it’s an inevitability,” Margery said. “But when it happens, you don’t want it to be true.”
Dean said the vast majority of British subjects and Commonwealth residents have only known one head of state in their lifetimes.
He said Elizabeth withstood the challenges over seven decades of service during a rapid evolution of society, and always sought connection with her people.
“She moved through the times,” he said. “She embraced TV. She embraced radio with her speeches. And in later years, Instagram and Twitter.”
While in their home country in 1977, the Muharrems watched a parade featuring the royal couple during the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.
Pre-pandemic, they would also hold large parties at their Chatham home to mark special royal events, such as weddings and, on one occasion, had an enormous nine-metre Union Jack displayed in their backyard.
However, they plan to watch the funeral by themselves, given the emotions surrounding the event.
When the coronation of King Charles III takes place at a later date, they expect they’ll host a gathering.
“He’s got big shoes to fill,” Margery said. “He even recognizes that her legacy is going to be tough to step into and do what she did. I think if it had been 20 years ago, the timing wouldn’t have been right.”
She hopes that people give him a chance as the new monarch, noting he was ahead of his time in some respects, particularly the environment.
“When he was younger, it wasn’t cool to be an environmentalist,” she said. “Now, when talks about it, people will kind of listen because it resonates.”
The Muharrems have have long supported the monarchy, believing it’s a benefit not only to the United Kingdom, but to Canada and the rest of the world.
Margery believes it’s possible to acknowledge the complicated history of the royals, as well as society’s mixed opinions, while still recognizing Elizabeth’s impact.
Flags at municipal service centers and other facilities are currently being flown at half-mast in honor of the Queen.
Chatham-Kent residents can sign a public condolence book at the civic center in Chatham, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Those wishing to share messages digitally may do so using the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent tool, via the link: www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/queen-elizabeth-ii-condolences
The municipality added that details regarding public memorials and commemoration events will be shared in the days ahead as plans are confirmed.