Queen Elizabeth II Dies: Remembering Her Quick Trip To CT

CONNECTICUT — Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II died Thursday after being put under close medical supervision in Scotland. The nation’s longest-serving monarch was 96 and ruled for seven decades.

The queen never made an official visit to Connecticut, but did arrive in New Haven on her royal yacht for her 1976 Bicentennial celebration trip. She sailed from New York to New Haven, and then flew from Tweed New Haven Airport to Charlottesville, VA via presidential aircraft, according to an itinerary from President Gerald Ford’s library.

About 50,000 people lined the docks, streets and airport to get a glimpse, according to the New York Times. The queen and Prince Philip were greeted by Gov. Ella Grasso and New Haven Mayor Frank Logue. Grasso presented the monarch with a couple of gifts.

Gov. Ned Lamont extended his sympathies to the family of the queen and people of her nation.

“Queen Elizabeth II set a standard throughout her lifetime for stability and stoicism. She was a fine leader, guiding her nation through a time of immense change and turmoil,” Lamont said in a statement.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said the queen was a symbol of strength and stability across the world.

She led with grace, dignity, and decency,” Bysiewicz said. “As the world’s longest reigning monarch, she was a steady and inspirational force during turbulent times. Her legacy of service to her country and our world will not be forgotten.”

The queen's death comes a day after she canceled a virtual meeting of her Privy Council, citing advice from doctors to rest. On Tuesday, she had formally asked Liz Truss to become Britain's prime minister.

"Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision,'' a palace spokesperson said, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with customary policy. "The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral."

The palace declined to provide further details about the queen's condition, but there were worrying signs that it might be serious. A Cabinet minister interrupted Truss during a debate in the House of Commons to inform her about Elizabeth's condition and family members canceled long-planned engagements to travel to the Highlands.

The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.