Gympie CBD shoppers reflect on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II

Surprise, shock and sadness was the general consensus of feelings among those surveyed on Friday about the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and not everyone thought King Charles III should take her place.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died in Scotland after 70 years on throne on Thursday, making her England’s longest reigning monarch.

Mary Street shoppers reflected on the “beautiful lady’s” reigning years on Friday and towards the future and the new King of England, King Charles III.

Many remembered Queen Elizabeth as the “stoic” matriarch of the family who was committed to service, her family, dogs and her horses.

Some shoppers, thinking Her Majesty would live 100 years, were surprised and shocked at the news while Mary Street shopper Dianne Geaney said she knew it was “her time to go.”

“She couldn’t go forever but it was sad,” Jodie Crawford said.

“She’s just always been there … that’s the weird thing.”

“It reminds us all that the years end, that life ends,” Cathy Sullivan said.

Irene Ostwald and Ms Geaney remembered the historic visit by the Queen to Australia in 1954.

Ms Ostwald said she saw the Queen about 20m away and the experience was “just magical”.

Ms Geaney was only three years old when she saw the Queen pass through Melbourne, only to have the privilege of shaking her hand years later when Ms Geaney was a guard of honour in a girl’s brigade.

“I was surprised because I didn’t know she was sick. I saw a picture of her on TV just a couple nights ago,” she said.

Ms Geaney said the Queen would be remembered for her personality, her fairness and how she “tried to bring the royal family back”.

Eyes will now turn to England’s new monarch, King Charles III.

“I think he’s had a lot of practice … to watch and to mature,” Ms Sullivan said.

“He’ll do really well,” Ms Ostwald said.

“He’s been groomed to be king,” Ms Geaney said.

Tony Rickards said that with King Charles being 73 years old, perhaps it was time to “let his son have a go”.