Bundaberg mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth II

A survey of Bundaberg residents on the passing of Queen Elizabeth and the ascension of King Charles III left some teary-eyed as they recalled her achievements and their favourite memories. Watch the video, leave your own tribute:

The Commonwealth’s longest reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II passed away in her sleep after serving 70 years as sovereign.

As the world mourns the passing of an icon and leader, the NewsMail took to the streets of Bundaberg to see how locals were feeling about this momentous loss.

Some were teary-eyed as they recalled watching her walk down the aisle on her wedding day, and one even recalled seeing her in person during a royal visit to Victoria.

Read here what they had to say about some of the late Queen’s biggest achievements, and how they believe the new King Charles III will go as our monarch.

Peter Lang has fond memories of seeing the late Queen when she visited Victoria in the 1970s.

Peter Lang

“She was an incredible lady, with what she did in her life, with all the turmoil she had to deal with. I saw her in person at Swan Hill in 1970, truly an amazing lady. “

And when asked about the new king:

“I think Charles will be a good monarch, I think he will be okay.”

Cecil Russell, Norville

“She was a legend in her own way for holding that record of reign, it will never be beaten again. She was just a really nice lady, and everyone adored her, she was beautiful. It’s a sad passing that’s for sure.

“Charles is going to take over now, I think he will be a good King. He’ll lead the way, after everything he’s been through things should look good for him.”

Joan Reason, Bargara

“I am a royalist so I am actually devastated this morning, even though it was expected. When I saw her greet the new Prime Minister, I thought ‘jeez she looks so frail’.

“I couldn’t say if Charles will be a good King. He may not be the people's choice, but it is his birthright, and he should have every opportunity. I know the young people want it to go to William and Kate, but they will get their turn. I don’t think Elizabeth wanted to be monarch in the first place when she was 25.”

Luke Whiting, Burnett Heads

“I think the Queen’s biggest achievement was that she was respected the entire world over, with the way she behaved and responded to difficulties throughout her lifetime. She still managed to connect with normal people in England and around the world.

“Do I think Charles will be a good King? Yeah, I think so, he’s been training for it for 70 years, so I think he will be alright.”

Not only does Charles Blanschard share a first name with the new King Charles III, he also immigrated to Australia from England and has fond memories of his late Queen.

Charles Blanschard, Kalkie

“She was there for everyone, she gave her life to everyone and she’s given her life to everyone. She’s done a fantastic job.

“If Charles can be half the monarch his mum was I think he will be good. I don’t think anyone could ever surpass what she has done for the UK, the Commonwealth and the world in many ways.”

Colleen Austin

“I was visiting my mother in hospital when she got married in 1947. I watched her wedding with my mother. She was a very, very beautiful bride, and a beautiful woman in her young days. I don’t think there will ever, ever be another one like her.

“I think Charles has had plenty of training from his mother. All he can do is try of course, he hasn’t got the personality of his mother. He’s going to be the King, so we are going to have to put up with him.”