Since Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1952, her reign has spanned multiple historical events. From the tragic death of Princess Diana, to the assassination of President Kennedy, the global and domestic impact of the Civil Rights Movement, to the typical gossip taking place in her family, the Queen has seen it all. In the twenty-first century, however, her legacy is highlighted by other things. There have been plenty of jokes about Queen Elizabeth seemingly being immortal, having been in power for over 70 years. These remarks have become even more prominent on social media after her death. Queen Elizabeth and the royal family have also had to shoulder some of the responsibility for the British Empire’s colonization and imperialism. Although the United Kingdom has had little to no political use for its monarchs for centuries, the royal family seems to be the target for condoning some of the perceived injustices that the United Kingdom has forced upon the countries of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, present-day Sri Lanka, and dozens of other colonized countries during her reign.
So, what do Andrews students think? In interviewing a couple of students, I sought to find out where the feelings of students lie on the wide spectrum of opinions. During my research I was able to interview two students that are from nations that are part of the British Commonwealth, one from Canada and another from England, and was able to get some of their feelings on Queen Elizabeth, the royal family, and their place in society.
Interview of Matthew Bourne (freshman, music education)
How long have you lived in Canada?
“My whole life.”
Do you think England still has a strong impression on Canadian society (and if so how)?
“Canada was kinda formed by the British and it… ruled over Canada. England hasn’t really affected my daily life though.”
What was your personal reaction to the Queen of England dying? Did you care at all?
“It’s sad that the Queen died but it doesn’t really affect me and I’m not sure how it is going to affect Canada.”
What is the general perception of Queen Elizabeth’s death in your family and country?
“It doesn’t affect me [or my] family.”
Interview of Francine Drysdale-Brown (freshman/chemical engineering)
How long have you lived in England?
“I’ve lived in England for all of my life–18 years.”
How much influence, if any, did Queen Elizabeth and the royal family have on British daily life? Were they a common topic in discussion or hardly relevant?
“The royal family brought tourism to the country, especially London.”
What was your personal reaction to the Queen of England dying? Did you care at all?
“I was sad and shocked because she has been the Queen for as long as I have known. I was also sad for the country [as a] whole.”
What is the general perception of Queen Elizabeth’s death in your family and country?
“My mother was and is really sad about her death since she held the Queen in high regard. The country’s response [was] very solemn and pensive. Not sure about the future of the country.”
For Matthew, the Canadian student, it seems like he views the consensus of Canadians as a mix of respectful and nonchalant. England clearly has its fingerprints on Canadian life, but as for Queen Elizabeth and the royal family, she wasn’t much more revered than a typical celebrity. For Francine, the English student, the popularity of Queen Elizabeth and the royal family clearly created a lot of attention for her nation, as she referenced the potent tourist attraction that they provide. The British community seems to still hold plenty of respect for the royal family and Queen Elizabeth and her loss is truly felt on a personal level by some.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.