LI, NY Pols Mourn Death Of Long Reigning UK Monarch, Elizabeth II

LONG ISLAND, NY — The New York region's politicians grieved the passing of Britain's long-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday with tributes of state marking her contributions as a world leader.

In Albany, Gov. Kathy Hochul directed all flags on state buildings to fly at half-staff on Friday to honor the 96-year-old who was affectionately known by her nickname "Lilibet."

Hochul called her "a force on the world stage for decades and an inspiring female leader who leaves a lasting legacy," in a statement released Thursday night.

"New York joins the people of the United Kingdom and all those who are mourning in honoring her life, and we send our prayers to her family," she added.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced he would also sign an executive order directing all of the flags outside county buildings to be flown at half-staff.

President Joe Biden called Elizabeth more than a monarch and someone who "defined an era."

“… She was the first British monarch to whom people all around the world could feel a personal and immediate connection — whether they heard her on the radio as a young princess speaking to the children of the United Kingdom, or gathered around their televisions for her coronation, or watched her final Christmas speech or her Platinum Jubilee on their phones. And she, in turn, dedicated her whole life to their service."

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The queen died at her summer home at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday, bringing an end to 70 years on the throne as Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and the second-longest reigning monarch in history, according to the Associated Press.

She continued to work even in her final days, and on Tuesday presided at a ceremony to accept the resignation of Boris Johnson and the appointment of Liz Truss to succeed him as prime minister.

Her eldest son, Charles, 73, became king in the wake of her death.

The country has now entered a mourning period, which will be followed by the Queen's funeral.

Throngs of Britons gathered outside the royal family's residence at Buckingham Palace in London, leaving tributes of flowers for Elizabeth and singing, "God Save the King."

But not all mourned her loss.

Critics of the imperialism that the monarchy symbolizes exploded on Twitter Thursday, also marking the end of her reign but in their own way. Some posted videos of themselves dancing, others like in the City of Derry, which has been hard hit by the Northern Ireland troubles, took to the streets for an impromptu parade.

One Twitter writer wrote: "Ireland was one of England's first colonies; the economic exploitation and cultural destruction that the English inflicted on the Irish was repeated in many other countries around the world as the British Empire expanded."

Another Twitter writer took aim at the still divided island of Ireland where its six counties remain under British rule.

"I hear this from Irish people: I hope the lady left us the six counties in her will."