Utah leaders react to the death of Queen Elizabeth II
Sep 8, 2022, 1:19 PM | Updated: Dec 12, 2022, 2:00 pm
FILE: Queen Elizabeth II watches with a smile from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping the Color ceremony in London, Thursday, June 2, 2022, on the first of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The events over a long holiday weekend in the U.K. are meant to celebrate the monarch's 70 years of service. (Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP)
(Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP)
SALT LAKE CITY — As the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death began to spread on Thursday, Utah officials shared their thoughts, mostly on social media.
Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday morning at her Scottish castle, Balmoral. Earlier in the day, Buckingham Palace released what is being called an atypical announcement about the Queen’s health, saying that her doctors were “concerned.”
Her son, now King Charles III, noted that the death of his mother was a moment of great sadness for the British people and the world.
Comments from Utah leaders are echoing that statement. Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson noted the Queen’s small stature but “giant presence on the world stage.”
She may have been small in stature, but Queen Elizabeth II was a giant on the world stage. She leaves a remarkable legacy of service, duty, and steady leadership.
Gabe and I send our love and condolences to the people of Great Britain. 🇬🇧 https://t.co/2lGLIEHA9K
— Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson (@LGHendersonUtah) September 8, 2022
Gov. Spencer Cox noted the Queen’s 70 years on the British throne, and that she served with strength, grace, and dedication.
For more than 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II served her people with strength, grace, and unwavering dedication. She will be missed.
Our prayers go out to the Royal Family and to the people of the Commonwealth. https://t.co/de8K5RuZD9
— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) September 8, 2022
On Thursday afternoon, Gov. Cox authorized the United States flag to be lowered to half-staff in honor of former Queen Elizabeth II. His office asked that flags be lowered immediately and remain so until sunset of the day of her internment. The governor encouraged private businesses to participate as well.
A lifetime of service to the British people, and the Commonwealth members who called her Queen, was the focus of Utah Sen Mike Lee’s message on the passing of the Queen.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 8, 2022
Former Utah Governor Gary Herbert noted that the Queen led with grace and dignity.
Jeanette and I join many from around the world in wishing the Royal Family our heartfelt condolences at the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. For 70 years, she led with grace and integrity as Great Britain’s longest-serving monarch.
— Gary R. Herbert (@GovHerbert) September 8, 2022
A statement from Rep. Burgess Owens focused on Queen Elizabeth II’s lifelong service to the United Kingdom.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, a steadfast public servant and friend of the United States. God bless her loved ones and our allies in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth. https://t.co/5yLMseG8dj
— Rep. Burgess Owens (@RepBurgessOwens) September 8, 2022
Rev. Phyllis Spiegel, the Bishop-Elect of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah issued a statement, noting the Queen’s “calming voice of the world.”
The Queen has the title of Defender of the Faith of the Church of England. As the Episcopal Church is a member of the Anglican Communion with the Church of England, we pray in sorrow for the loss of an amazing and calming voice of the world. We pray in gratitude for her grace as an example to our faith and her belief in peace. We join with the whole world in our prayer that she may rest in peace. Having many dear friends and colleagues who are leaders of the Church of England, our hearts are with them today as they lead their people through this time of deep grief.
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement noting their admiration, respect, and gratitude:
The United Kingdom and the people of the world have lost a noble monarch with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. She presided through seven decades, in times of peace and conflict, plenty and struggle, and did so with characteristic grace and goodness.
The many expressions of sympathy from around the world are a loving tribute to Queen Elizabeth II from those who loved her and who mourn with her family and the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
In his tweet, Utah Rep. Chris Stewart noted the expanse of time that Queen Elizabeth II sat on the British throne.
God bless Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/DdVXUNYNvQ
— Rep. Chris Stewart (@RepChrisStewart) September 8, 2022
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson offered her condolences to the Queen’s family.
Queen Elizabeth II has served her country for more than seventy years. My deepest condolences to all who loved her.
— Mayor Jenny Wilson (@SLCoMayor) September 8, 2022
Utah Rep. John Curtis recalled the Queen’s actions in the days after September 11, 2001, when she broke precedent with an anthem.
Saddened to hear of the passing of Queen Elizabeth. During her time in power, so much of the world has changed and if anything, I will remember this moment two days after 9/11 when the Queen broke precedent and played the Star Spangled Banner to millions. pic.twitter.com/kTUO8nNNGp
— Rep. John Curtis (@RepJohnCurtis) September 8, 2022
Queen Elizabeth II reigned for 70 years, becoming Queen upon the death of her father in 1952. She would work with 15 British Prime Ministers in that span of time.
This story will be updated.
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