Kelowna reacts to Queen Elizabeth's passing

The sudden news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing at 96 has shocked and saddened people across the world and in Kelowna.

Just hours prior, Buckingham Palace announced that Her Majesty was placed under medical supervision under the careful watch of concerned doctors while members of the royal family were flying home.

“I’m sad. She was a wonderful woman. She contributed a lot,” Margaret told Kelowna10.

The first time Margaret ever watched T.V. was in Vancouver at her neighbour’s house. She explained how the first program she watched was the Queen’s coronation and it was a special memory for her as her grandparents were both born in the U.K.

At just 25 years old, Elizabeth ascended the throne upon the passing of her father, King George VI in 1952. Her coronation was the most seen in history.

Last year the Queen’s husband, Prince Philip, died at 99 years old. This year, Her Majesty became the first monarch in history to celebrate a platinum jubilee.

“I’ve grown up with her all my life and I still am loyal to the Queen; loyal in the sense that being in Canada, and we’re a sovereign state,” Laurie, another Kelowna local, said. “Being 96, obviously it was coming but it’s still a shock.”

Laurie said she received an email from her daughter in Australia where she said people there are also saddened by the news.

Michael, who immigrated from the U.K. in 1980, closely watched the news of her health.

“I immediately went to the BBC News to watch it unfold. You know, it’s not often they put a bulletin out in that there’s a health issue with the Queen,” he said. “Then when that was announced, I was just shattered.”

As a volunteer of the Commonwealth Games in 1994, Michael explained how walking within an arm’s length of Her Majesty and sitting in the same chair she used will always be a special memory for him.

Premier John Horgan released a statement following the news.

“The Queen held a special place in her heart for British Columbia,” he said. “We were honoured to host the Queen seven times, six as reigning monarch. With each visit, the Queen brought British Columbians together in common purpose”

“Our thoughts are with all members of The Royal Family. On behalf of the Province, I offer my deepest condolences. God save the King.”