Elizabeth II, queen of the United Kingdom, passed away on September 8th, at the age of 96, in the same year of her platinum jubilee, the 70th anniversary of her accession. The phrase “grief is the price we pay for love” comes from a message from Elizabeth in consolation with the relatives of those killed in the “9-11” attacks in 2001 (text at The Guardian).
“In everlasting memory – her majesty Queen Elizabeth II – 1926-2022.” “Long live the King”
“From Sandy Row to the house of Windsor: happy diamond jubilee 1952-2012. God save the Queen.” Although the coronation was held in June 1953, Elizabeth acceded to the throne immediately upon the death of George VI, on February 6th, 1952. This board was previously on an adjacent wall but has been moved to this location (on top of the ‘Our Wee Country’ mural, replacing a damaged mosaic) to make way for the NI centenary board shown below.
The Irish Football Association (web | tw) is the governing body for Northern Irish soccer, overseeing both domestic and international events. The original Our Wee Country (fan organisation web) mural was in Carnforth Street, east Belfast.
The “now” in “now is the time to kneel” would seem to suggest that there is some inappropriate kneeling going on at some other time, besides as a mark of respect to the patriotic dead (in this case, Queen Elizabeth II, who died on September 8th, 2022) – perhaps the kneeling prior to Premier League soccer matches as a protest against racism (World Soccer Talk).
Replaces Clonduff Youth on Clonduff Drive in Castlereagh.
Upon news of Queen Elizabeth’s death, the platinum jubilee mural at the bottom of Crimea Street became a memorial, with hundreds of bouquets being laid before it and a “wall of condolences” set up. (For the mural itself, see The People’s Monarch.) In addition, to the right-hand side has been added a small commemoration of her passing, with a quote from her son, the newly acceded King Charles:
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world”; “Long live the king!”
The fifteen commonwealth “realms” (previously called “dominions”) share a monarch – formerly Elizabeth II and now Charles III – while the commonwealth comprises 41 additional nations, including some which are now republics: Barbados, for example, became a republic on November 30th last year (2021) but is still in the Commonwealth (WP). Additional countries might take the passing of Elizabeth as a suitable juncture at which to sever ties (Edinburgh News has a round-up | for the Bahamas see Caribbean National Weekly | for Canada see Toronto Star).
“HM Queen Elizabeth II 1952-2012”. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor acceded to the throne of the United Kingdom in 1952 (she was crowned in 1953). 2002 was her golden jubilee year. (See also Long To Reign Over Us.) The ‘sponsorship’ box read “This mural was commissioned by 1st batt A coy South East Antrim UDA UFF UYM.” but has been whited out and would later be painted over in black. It is undamaged in J1444.
“Belfast, Shankill Road the heart of the empire salutes her majesty on 60 glorious years.” [1952-2012]
This is a new three-part installation of boards on Crimea Street for Queen Elizabeth’s diamond (60th) jubilee. For “Ulster To England” see Ulster Girl. On the left (out of shot) are flags of the home nations along with the Royal Standard and Union Flag.
“Elizabeth the second by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and our other realms and territories, queen, head of the commonwealth, defender of the faith.” “Elizabeth II dea [sic] gratia Britannia regina fidei defensor”. “We the British subjects of Ulster pledge our allegiance to her sovereign majesty Queen Elizabeth II now and forever. The heart of the empire Ulsters loyal citizens.”
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor acceded to the throne of the United Kingdom in 1952 (she was crowned in 1953). 2002 was her golden jubilee year.
Diana Spencer (“1961-1997”) became Princess Of Wales upon marrying Prince Charles in 1981 but they divorced in 1996, a year before she died in a Paris car-crash. She is presented has an English rose in front of a large Union Flag in the shape of a heart.
Paddy Duffy Collection 