Black-clad, tearful mourners have gathered at the British Consulate in Manhattan to express their condolences for the nation’s loss after the passing of Queen Elizabeth.
The beloved queen, 96, held the British monarchy for seven decades, becoming her the country’s longest-serving head of state ever.
An outpouring of mourning for the queen, who was revered by many as a loyal cornerstone of British society, has been visible in cities throughout the US.
Outside the consulate, Union Jack flags were flown as both Americans and Britons came to lay floral tributes to the Queen.
Among the mourning were Meera Ghoul and Mila, her daughter. Inside the Consulate, the New Yorker with London roots paid her respects and signed the condolence book.
As soon as the building opened at 10 am, a line of employees and well-wishers dressed in black formed to express the public’s united grief at Her Majesty’s passing.
Meera Ghoul and her daughter, Mila leave flowers in front of the British Consulate. The British Consulate in Manhattan had mourners showing up and placing flowers next to the building after Queen Elizabeth’s death
A British Consulate worker in New York signs the condolence book
A Union Jack is placed in front of the building, along with flowers after the Queen’s death on September 8, 2022
The loss and heartbreak after the death of Her Majesty has been felt across the US, including in New York City
Matthew Jones, a Londoner, flocked to the government building this morning after yesterday’s somber news was broadcasted across the world.
The United Kingdom has entered a 10-day mourning period, while King Charles III entered Buckingham Palace in London for the first time as monarch to begin the role he was born to fulfil.
And America’s front pages mourned Queen Elizabeth II‘s death today as newspapers across the country paid tribute to the beloved British monarch – who ruled over the United Kingdom for 70 glorious years.
From coast to coast, newspapers in the US dedicated their front pages to pictures and poignant words about the late Queen as the world woke up today to grieve the end of the second Elizabethan Era.
In a sensational move, President Biden yesterday ordered that flags should be flown at half-staff at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
Last night, the Empire State building glittered in purple and silver – the colors adorning Her Majesty’s regal crown. Billboards in New York City’s Times Square paid tribute to Britain’s adored figurehead.
Tributes poured in for Her Majesty in all 50 states. In Congress, Mitch McConnell led lawmakers from both political parties in prayer after her ailing health was announced yesterday. Thursday’s U.S. Open match and the New York Yankees game were halted for a moment of silence following her death.
Yesterday evening in New York City, a somber crowd of Americans, ex-pats and tourists flocked to Churchill Tavern in Midtown Manhattan – and other English pubs and eateries – where tributes to the Queen included a visit by a British Bulldog, beer toasts, flowers, and a sign that read: ‘Long Live the Queen, Queen Elizabeth RIP.’
And in a sign of the Queen’s considerable worldwide influence and appeal, royal fans laid flowers outside British embassies all over the world, including in Washington, Berlin and Oslo.
New Yorkers flocked to the Consulate in memory of Britain’s longest-serving monarch
Matthew Jones, a Londoner, bit his lips as he spoke while paying tribute to the Queen
Mourners lined up to sign the book and collectively grieve the loss
Mourners who were out in New York City to mark the Queen’s death with some sort of tribute, said the historic loss felt exceptionally strange and that she had done an exceptional job during her 70-year-rule.
Pub owner Scott Robertson, a British ex-pat, said he was overwhelmed by the news.
The 49-year-old said: ‘When I heard I did shed a tear, she’s the one that has been around our whole lives.
‘We have been busy, we did get an idea when we heard, and we will do something for the funeral.
‘We set up in 2011, chose the name because of the leader (Winston Churchill) was.
‘They were good friends, the Queen and Winston. Great leaders.
‘We’ve covered all of the big events, the wedding, the Jubilee everything.
‘I’m from Stoke-on-Trent and I have great memories of her opening the gardens there.
‘We put down red roses because they’re English. I wanted to get lilies because they were her favorites but I couldn’t.’
British Consulate workers, all wearing black, line up outside to anticipate the public signing the condolence book
Bunches of flowers and flags were left outside the building as dozens came to pay their respects in New York City
Her Majesty died on September 8, 2022, after serving as the monarch on the British throne for 70 glorious years
Matthew Jones, from London, signed the condolence book, thanking the Queen for 70 years of devoted service
Deanna Clow, 31, is a New York native – but said she felt an ‘affinity’ with the UK and wanted to mark the Queen’s death among the late monarch’s countrymen.
She explained: ‘When you grow up you hear about princesses and royalty.
‘Obviously, we don’t have the monarchy or anything like it, but we have an affinity with Britain.
‘When Princess Diana died there were people on the streets in tears, and I think this is the first British person to die on that level.
‘We obviously don’t have the same level of emotion, but it is sad and we want to support the Brits in any way we can.
‘She was a great woman, we did always see royalty growing up in movies but this was real life.
‘America is mourning with the UK.’
Londoner William Hardman’s emotion was etched on his face. The 21-year-old said: ‘I shed a tear, I was woken up to be told that the Queen had died and I think it’s fair to say I cried and I was upset when I heard.
‘I think Americans don’t understand exactly what’s happened, they don’t have a monarchy so that’s why we came to a British pub.
‘I would want Charles to be King, because I respect the way of succession. But if you could choose I’d have William.
‘No one else I know has known anything but Elizabeth, apart from my grandmother.’