As the nation unites in grief over the death of Queen Elizabeth II, MM asked the people of Manchester for their thoughts and opinions.
Helen Starkey, 54, civil servant
‘I’m really sad. I’m not a massive royalist, however I do feel she brought some stability and she was a part of our lives.
“I was surprised after seeing her on Tuesday meeting Liz Truss. It wasn’t a surprise since she was an old lady, but I was surprised after seeing pictures of her on Tuesday, she didn’t look as though she was about to pass away. She looked smiley. A little frail, but still smiling. It’s sad isn’t it? I’m surprised how sad I am to be honest.”
Lucy Greenhalgh, 21, student
‘I was actually quite sad about it. I don’t necessarily agree with the monarchy but I think it’s kind of sad because, as a woman, she wasn’t event meant to be the Queen. I thought it was quite sad.
“My friends were not really that bothered and they’re quite political and so don’t agree with the whole system.”
Robert Higgo, 70, consultant psychiatrist
‘I’m not a supporter of the monarchy (but) I think she’s dignified, she’s not interfering, she’s discrete. Those are admirable qualities. I’m not looking forward to two weeks of public hysteria, but yeah it is a bit sad.
“In the last year or two she’s started to look her age and in the last few weeks she was cancelling engagements. I saw her getting up to greet (Liz Truss) and she looked like a really old, frail person.”
Les Brown, 68, Melbourne, Australia
“I wasn’t upset, I was very sad, but it was inevitable. I wouldn’t say it’s tragic. I would say it’s just part of life. She was a fantastic person. But I think that we’re not too confident about the replacement. I’m not sure he’ll be of the same quality as his mum. I think she was far more popular with people than Charles. Charles with Diana would have been preferable.
“I had a premonition that something would happen.”
Mira Brown, 71, Melbourne, Australia
“Well, certainly sad. I mean, we’re Australian. So, being kind of part of the Commonwealth we do feel a connection. Les more than I, he’s a monarchist and I’m a Republican. You know, I have to go with whatever most people decide.
“I saw this quote on the TV this morning which I thought was really apt, that nothing happens for decades, and then all of a sudden decades happen within a short time.”
Carol Held, 68, Manchester
“Yeah it’s sad, but I think it was to be expected. I’ve got my flag out the window.
“I like William and Kate, I like Harry and Meghan. They’re young, let them have a go, it’s been a long time. Seventy years is a long time for the same person.”
