Through seven decades and 15 prime ministers, Queen Elizabeth II has held the role of regent in the British Empire.
Generations of people have grown up with the queen on the throne. His son, King Charles, now ascends the throne.
Here in Norway, his death has caused shockwaves. But what memories do Norwegians have after the Queen became one of the longest-serving monarchs in world history?
– I thought she was immortal
Under the sun in Trondheim, TV 2’s broadcaster meets young Selma Müller-Hansen. Even though Rani was in her old age, the death came as a shock to her.
– It was so boring! I thought she was immortal. It’s a serious shame and it will never be the same again.
– Why do you think people are interested in Queen Elizabeth?
– She was something special. There was only one Queen Elizabeth and there will never be another like her. It will take a lot to change her.
For Müller-Hansen, the queen was more than just a queen.
– I think England has lost her mother.
Famous: Hilde Kellemo (TV) and Bente Egger Holst say one of the things that made her famous was the way the Queen weathered storms in the royal family. Photo: Stein Roar Light / TV2
Friends Hilde Kellemo and Bente Eger Holst were two of the many who experienced the passing very sadly.
They still choose to see the positive in his long life.
– She had a long and contented life. So Eger Holst says she’s lucky she’s been able to stay healthy as long as she has.
A boat in a storm
– This is the course of nature. But I think there are probably many people in England who are grieving right now. She was very popular and she continues to be.
Even with Queen Elizabeth on the throne, there is no shortage of controversies and scandals associated with the British royal house.
Princess Diana’s divorce from then-Prince Charles, Diana’s death, and the scandals surrounding Prince Andrew.
Nevertheless, Bende Eger Holst believes the Queen’s handling of scandals and controversies is part of what made her so popular around the world.
– It’s hard to say why she was so popular, but it’s probably because she’s been on the throne for so long. After all, he has weathered many storms in the British royal house well.
Impressed: Crowe Bacon of Hamar was impressed by the work done by Rani. Photo: Olav D. Hustad Volt / TV 2
People at Hamar were also impressed by Queen Elizabeth’s seven decades on the throne.
– It was sad to hear. But she is an old lady. She has done a good job. She should be allowed to go once, too, says Crowe Bacon.
– I think he is the right leader for the country. It was a shock, really. She was a perfect woman.
He gets support from his typical hammerwearing Sunniva Christiansen.
– She was very happy with her people. She has been through a lot.
For Christiansen, the death was not a shock. She believes the British queen has not been herself lately.
A woman for the people: Sanniwa Christiansen believes the Queen is famous because she was a monarch who loved her people. Photo: Olav D. Hustad Volt / TV 2
– She was messy. I guess that’s to be expected.
In Andalsnes, people are very excited about the Queen’s successor, King Charles.
– I would have had more faith in his son (Prince William, editor’s note). It may have been made up by the media, but he’s still serious. Jarl Eric Raumas says the references to King Charles are a little less positive.
Remembers a memory particularly well
Betty Anita Schoen sits in a retirement home on Alders Hill in Stavanger. Throughout her life, Queen Elizabeth has been the monarch of Great Britain.
He believes the former Queen is important to Britain and the world.
– Shame she died. He has been a great representative of Great Britain. But she was getting old and a bit troubled, especially after the death of her beloved husband, Prince Philip.
Good memories: Betty Anita Scoyen fondly remembers the Queen’s 90th birthday. Photo: Christian Myhre / TV2
Scoyne was also impressed by the way the Queen handled difficult times.
– I have followed her since she arrived. She has experienced a lot of stress, both in the family and elsewhere.
For her, it is a memory in particular when she thinks of Rani.
– When she turned 90. It was very nice, she was a very nice lady. She gave an absolutely incredible speech.
– She stopped at the race
Bodøværing Tone Strand believes the monarchy will continue after the queen’s death.
– I understand there will be a great upheaval in Great Britain. She was an attractive person. It will be exciting to see how Charles will fare as King.
Pål Gjerde in Tromsø describes the death as tragic, but expected.
– but she survived the race. A few days ago, he welcomed the new Prime Minister and held his hand. She dies two days later. It’s a good job, he says.
The Queen had consciousness: Paul Gerde says that the Queen was fully present. He believes this is the most important reason for his popularity. Photo: Daniel Berg Foseng / TV2
Gjerte also points out that the way he handled himself and the controversies within the royal family were a reason for his immense fame.
He believes that the Queen’s avoidance of innuendo and scandal is the most important part of what makes her a rock for the British public.
– This is how you earn respect. We common people like it. She was there all the way.
However, he would prefer someone else to take over from the Queen.
– Perhaps Charles would have said to his son, “You take this, I’ll rest a little more”?
“Music geek. Coffee lover. Devoted food scholar. Web buff. Passionate internet guru.”
