Death of Queen Elizabeth II being felt in Caledon, world

By Zachary Roman

Queen Elizabeth II reigned from 1952 until her death in Scotland on Thursday, September 8.

For many people, she was the only monarch they've ever known, so her death at the age of 96 sent shockwaves around the world.

In the Town of Caledon, residents and politicians alike are mourning the late Queen.

Mayor Allan Thompson had high praise for the Queen and her leadership over the years. “The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is being felt here in Caledon and around the world,” said Thompson in a statement. “Her historic reign and unwavering sense of duty and honour, together with her kindness and compassion, are the legacy of a life well lived.”

A book of condolences is now available at Caledon's Town Hall for interested residents to sign, and flags at all Town of Caledon facilities were lowered to half-mast in honour of the Queen.

September 8 is when Buckingham Palace first announced the Queen was under medical supervision; she was then at Balmoral Castle. She died later in the evening there surrounded by family.

She is succeeded by her son, King Charles III, who is 73 and the oldest person to ever ascend the throne.

A book of condolences is also available at Dufferin-Caledon Member of Parliament Kyle Seeback's office in Orangeville. Residents are invited to sign the book from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to pay their respects.

Seeback said he is mourning the death of the Queen alongside other Canadians.

“We, as Canadians, mourn the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving British monarch and Canadian head of state. On behalf of the residents of Dufferin-Caledon, I express my heartfelt condolences to members of the Royal Family during this immensely difficult time. May they, and all of us grieving her passing, be comforted and inspired by the exemplary service she devoted to the Crown and the Commonwealth each day of her 70-year reign,” said Seeback in a statement.

“Her Majesty will always be remembered for her grace, dignity, and great love for Canada, her ‘second home.' She represented resilience and stability for countless people. Her legacy will be one of selfless service, quiet strength, and unwavering faithfulness to those she served.”

Member of Provincial Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, Sylvia Jones, also expressed her sadness at the Queen's death and condolences for the Queen's family in a statement.

“I join everyone across our province, country, and the world in commemorating the remarkable life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her Late Majesty's long and glorious life and reign was one of dedication to public service, strength and compassion that has shaped generations of Canadians from all walks of life,” said Jones. “I extend my deepest condolences to King Charles III and the entire royal family on the loss of a loving and compassionate Mother. May His Majesty's reign be one of wisdom and courage. God Save the King.”

Shortly after the Queen's death, the new King made a statement on behalf of the Royal Family.

“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty the Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” said Charles III, who succeeds to the throne of Canada, the United Kingdom, and 13 other nations across the Commonwealth. “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”

Words of condolence were also shared with Canadians by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the last in a long line of Canadian Prime Ministers who served under the Queen, beginning with Louis St. Laurent.

“For most Canadians, we have known no other Sovereign,” said the Prime Minister. “Queen Elizabeth II was a constant presence in our lives. Time and again, Her Majesty marked Canada's modern history. Over the course of 70 years and twenty-three Royal Tours, Queen Elizabeth II saw this country from coast to coast to coast and was there for our major historical milestones. She would proclaim, ‘It was good to be home' when returning to her beloved Canada. She was indeed at home here, and Canadians never ceased to return her affection.

“Her Majesty vowed to devote her life to the service of the Commonwealth and its people. On behalf of all Canadians, I thank Queen Elizabeth II for honouring this vow and for a lifetime of service. Her Majesty's reign spanned so many decades – a period when we came into our own as a confident, diverse, and forward-looking country. It is her wisdom, compassion, and warmth that we will always remember and cherish.

“Today, a page has not only been turned, but a chapter in our shared history has drawn to a close. I know Her Majesty's service to Canada and Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country's history. The coming days will be a period of mourning for Canadians, as it will be for all Commonwealth citizens, ending with a national day of mourning when a commemorative service will be held to mark the passing of our Sovereign.”

The new King was proclaimed at Rideau Hall on Saturday afternoon.