Queen Elizabeth II: The biggest constant in an ever-changing world

KUALA LUMPUR: For many, Queen Elizabeth II was the only British monarch they have ever known.

Her impressive 70-year reign, which came to a close with her passing on Tuesday, was often a symbol of stability even in trying times.

“She has been the absolute thread running through our lives, that rock that so much of the UK has been built on,” said Charles Hay, the UK High Commissioner to Malaysia.

Describing her death as a “profound shock” to the nation, he said there was currently a “very sombre” mood across the UK.

“People almost mark off their lives with reference to the Queen. We remember the Silver Jubilee, Golden Jubilee, Platinum Jubilee, weddings of the royal children and births of the royal children,” he told Astro Awani.

“She has been an absolute constant, so I think there’s a real sense of shock and it hasn’t really sunk in.”

The Queen ascended the throne in 1952 at the young age of 25, having witnessed great social change and historical events over the years, including the Malayan declaration of independence.

She famously pledged to dedicate her life to the service of the Commonwealth on her 21st birthday, which Hay said she had a profound love for.

He remembered a time when he spoke about Malaysia with Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace, before travelling here as head of mission.

“It was very interesting to me that she spoke with great knowledge and understanding of Malaysia. That comes from that historical perspective that she has,” he recalled.

Heartfelt tributes and remembrances have come pouring in from around the world in the hours following her death, even at the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

What has been most touching, said Hay, was how people from all spheres of society were eager to share their photographs and memories of the Queen with him.

“It hasn’t just been simple condolences on the passing of Her Majesty, it’s been a personal reflection from people about Her Majesty and that’s because she has touched so many Malaysians’ lives as well.”

Elizabeth had visited Malaysia three times during her reign, once to tour several states in 1972, for the 11th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 1989, and for the 16th Commonwealth Games in 1998.

She passed at the age of 96 at her Scottish estate, Balmoral Castle, yesterday.

The late Queen will lie in state in Edinburgh and Westminster as part of a 10-day national mourning period until her funeral is held.

The beginning of a new era: King Charles III

Following the Queen’s death, the throne passed immediately to the heir and former Prince of Wales, Charles.

Now known as King Charles III, he is expected to be officially proclaimed King on Saturday morning.

Despite spending a lifetime in the public eye, it remains unknown what kind of leader the new King will be, especially when taking over as head of state at 73.

Saying he would have big shoes to fill would be an understatement, according to Chairman of CARI Asean Research Tan Sri Dr Mohd Munir Abdul Majid.

“It’s more than that–the enormity of his challenge, the imprints that Queen Elizabeth II has made, and Charles’ own sort of shakiness in terms of his relationship with the now Queen Consort and his divorce with Princess Diana,” he said.

Despite the new monarch’s apparent flaws in comparison to his mother, Munir noted that Charles had his own set of strengths as well.

For one, he was deeply committed to sustainable development, biodiversity and preservation of the environment.

“He is quite devoted to the diversity of religions in the world. He has shown deep understanding and respect for Islam, for example,” added Munir, who expects this could win the approval of the people, particularly those within the Commonwealth.

“There is some kind of fear that he might be too ‘in-your-face’, so to speak, and more insistent on certain things that might be too interventionist.”

What remains to be seen, he said, was whether Charles would be able to achieve a balance between his leadership and personal beliefs, as the UK enters a new era.