Windsor-Essex reacts to passing of Queen Elizabeth II

Windsor-Essex residents and leaders are sharing their thoughts and condolences on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

Britain's longest-reigning monarch and Canada's head of state, died Thursday after 70 years on the throne. She was 96.

The Queen ascended to the throne in 1952, at the age of 25. 

“I think everyone was pretty emotional when we found out here,” Nicole Chittle, museum assistant at Chimczuk Museum, said. “We had just done an exhibit on the Queen so we were a bit overwhelmed and I think that’s a similar feeling in most places around the world right now. She’s kind of the world’s grandmother in a way, so yeah, lots of emotion today.”

The museum put the exhibit in place for the jubilee marking her 70 years as Queen. It offers an overview of her life as princess and queen and showcases artifacts relating to her history in Windsor, Ont. 

The Queen and Prince Philip stopped in Windsor in July 1959, while on a tour of the Great Lakes. She also visited Windsor on Oct. 1, 1984. She was on a 13-day tour of New Brunswick, Ontario And Manitoba.

Chittle, who has always been interested in English history has a few artifacts of her own, including a teacup from Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation which is currently displayed in the museum.

“It’s in the name. I mean they are the House of Windsor so I think that really relates to us here and she’s a pretty well-liked lady,” she said. “The same cannot be really said for the rest of her family, she’s really I think the foundation of the monarchy so it’ll be interesting to see how that will change in the coming months.”

Rev. Robert Clifford of All Saints' Anglican Church said with its connection to the Church of England, the Queen is prayed for weekly.

“She is prayed for every week here at the church in the set prayers of the church and now we will make adjustments on the fly to pray for His Majesty the King which hasn’t been done for 70 years in any of our buildings,” he explained. “Which, it sends shivers up my spine to have the duty to do that and be able to do that.”

All Saints Church also has artifacts of its own, hosting a piece of the banner that was in the church during Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.

“It is one of many treasured pieces of our connection to the royal family. We have several in the building,” Rev. Clifford said.

He said many people have minute connections to the royal family, dating back to Queen Elizabeth II’s first visit to Windsor in 1939, and back further to her uncle’s visit in 1919.

“There are people who have stories related to the monarchy, and there are six degrees of separation for any of us to them. Some of them more tenuous than others but we all have a story,” Rev. Clifford said.

He recounted his own story, of his mother waking him up to watch Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding when he was three years old.

“There are senses of occasion around the family that extend into this place even, in this city,” he said.

“We’ll miss her. She’s literally been there for all of our lives, for many of us. She was 96 today and so we’ll miss her and we’ll mourn her and we will celebrate the persistence of the institution in Charles.”  

Windsor mayor Drew Dilkens issued a statement, saying he’s “deeply saddened” to learn about her death.

“Today, the world lost a leader with quiet influence and immeasurable grace. A family also lost their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. For many, The Queen was a fixture throughout our entire lives. Her lifetime of service will be honoured and treasured, recognized and debated in the coming days and weeks. The Queen participated in, and lived through such significant moments in our shared history and her contributions cannot be overstated,” said the statement.

Flags at City of Windsor facilities will be flown at half-mast, and city hall will be illuminated in purple in “respect and recognition” of the Queen’s passing. 

The City of Windsor is expected to share details regarding public memorial and commemoration events as plans are confirmed, in the days ahead.

Flags are also being lowered at other Windsor-Essex locations.

Essex County warden Gary McNamara also issued a statement expressing condolences.

“The Queen made 22 official trips to Canada during her historic reign, including two memorable trips to the Windsor-Essex region. She had a personal and profound impact on the residents of our region, who join me now in mourning her death and honouring her incredible life,” said McNamara. “Flags at the Essex County Civic Centre and other County facilities are being lowered to half-staff."

- With files from CTV Windsor's Travis Fortnam