VA, DC Leaders React To Death Of Queen Elizabeth II

VIRGINIA/DC — Americans in the 13 colonies successfully fought for their independence from the British Crown nearly 240 years ago.

But unlike in other former colonies around the world where the British Empire is not remembered with affection, the love affair with the British monarchy remains mostly intact in the United States today.

That admiration is showing as leaders in Virginia, D.C. and across the country are mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving British monarch. The Queen died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday at the age of 96.

Britain’s new king, Charles III, is scheduled to deliver his first address to Great Britain Friday, as the country begins a period of national mourning for Queen Elizabeth II.

During her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II visited Virginia and Arlington Cemetery several times.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin ordered flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff Thursday night, until the queen’s burial in 10 days.

"Today, we sadly mourn the loss of a transcendent leader, Queen Elizabeth II, who admirably presided over the United Kingdom for over 70 years and was deeply beloved by her people,” Youngkin said in a statement. “Throughout her reign, she showed steadfast compassion towards the United States during trying times, especially following the September 11th attacks.”

Queen Elizabeth II visited Virginia in 1957 for the Jamestown anniversary, in 1976 for the U.S. Bicentennial celebration and 1991 to Arlington National Cemetery. On her most recent trip in 2007, she visited for Jamestown's 400th anniversary celebration.

“As governor, the Queen's consistent tenderness for the Commonwealth and Virginians will never be forgotten,” Youngkin said.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) remarked that "Queen Elizabeth's decades-long reign was marked by incomparable poise, a steady devotion to the people of the UK, and a deepening of the critical friendship between our nations."

"My thoughts are with all mourning her powerful legacy," Warner said.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) said he fondly remembers Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Jamestown in 2007. "Her kindness and grace will be missed," Kaine said.

On Thursday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser sent love to the people of Great Britain on behalf of 700,000 Washingtonians.

"Queen Elizabeth II led a remarkable life, changed the world’s perception of women in leadership, and defined the British monarchy for generations of people worldwide. May she Rest In Peace," Bowser said.

Virginia Del. Alfonso Lopez, who represents Arlington, said he and his wife and their two-month-old son "were lucky to be introduced to her by then Governor Kaine on her visit to Virginia in 2007."

"Rest In Peace, Queen Elizabeth II. A lifetime of consequence and steadfast service to her country," Lopez said.

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, who represents Virginia's 8th congressional district, said it's hard to imagine a time without Queen Elizabeth II, who was crowned when Winston Churchill was prime minister.

"The U.K. and the world changed so much during her 70-year reign, but she was always a great friend to the U.S. I join those all over the world mourning her passing," Beyer said.