On Thursday, September 8, 2022, it was announced that Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle at the age of 96. Having spent 70 years at the helm of the British monarchy, her legacy is that of the longest-lived, longest-reigning monarch in British history.
The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
As the United Kingdom reels from the sudden loss, others around the world reflect on her global dedication and impact. Today, we look back on her 1959 visit to Chicago — an experience she called “unforgettable” — during which she met with the late former mayor of Chicago, Richard J. Daley.
In 2015, the monarch reinforced its appreciation for Chicago by purchasing a condo that overlooked the city’s beloved Buckingham Fountain; the space would serve as the home to Chicago’s Canadian consul, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. The condo is still purchased under Queen Elizabeth II’s name to this day.
The Royal Family released a statement that her passing was “peaceful” and surrounded by loved ones. King Charles III — formerly Prince Charles of Wales, who immediately assumed the role upon his mother’s passing — also released a statement noting that this will be a period of mourning and change not only within the monarchy, but within the country as well.
A statement from His Majesty The King: pic.twitter.com/AnBiyZCher
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
Public shows of mourning and affection for the late monarch have begun, as well, specifically outside of Buckingham Palace.
A double rainbow shimmered across the crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace. When the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death broke, after a hush, people broke into “God Save the Queen.” https://t.co/XgIbaYjsEL pic.twitter.com/g0Q3ZDsNuv
— The New York Times (@nytimes) September 8, 2022
More photos of the late Queen’s visit to Chicago and other journeys can be found on the Chicago Public Library and Wikimedia Commons online archives.
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Margaret Smith is a Chicago-based writer and editor with a passion for socio-political storytelling about their community. They are a graduate of Columbia College Chicago.
