It is no longer news that Queen Elizabeth ll the longest-serving monarch of the United Kingdom is dead. The family said she died in Balmoral in a peaceful sleep.

Tributes from family and world leaders have since been pouring in, many remembering encounters with her during her 70 years of rule. One of the Queen’s former guards recounted to Sky News the fun-loving sides of the queen many rarely know of.

The Queen’s former protection guard revealed that the monarch was out in the hills near her Scottish castle at Balmoral when two U.S. tourists approached; one of them engaged her in conversation, Richard Griffin now known as Dick said.

The tourist inquired from the Queen where she lived and she said London, adding that she had a holiday home just over the hill and had been visiting the area for more than 80 years since she was a little girl. She did not say she was referring to Balmoral.

Aware that the castle was in the vicinity, the tourist then asked her if she had ever met the queen.

“Quick as a flash she said: ‘I haven’t, but Dick here meets her regularly,” Dick recounted on Sky News during celebrations of the Queen’s 70 years on the throne earlier this year.

The tourist then asked Dick what the monarch was like in person. “Because I was with her a long time and I knew I could tease her, I said ‘oh, she can be very cantankerous at times, but she’s got a lovely sense of humour,” Dick said.

Delighted, the tourist then put his arm around Dick’s shoulder and asked if he could have a picture of the two of them together. “Before I could see what was happening, he gets his camera and gives it to the Queen and says ‘can you take a picture of us?”

The Queen obliged, and then Dick took the camera and took a picture of her with the pair of tourists.

Dick said the Queen later told him: “I’d love to be a fly on the wall when he shows those photographs to friends in America and hopefully someone tells him who I am.”

Meanwhile, the Royal family has paid their tribute to the Queen. King Charles lll in his first speech renewed his commitment to a lifelong of service. He praised his mother’s warmth, humour, and ability to see the best in people. 

“Her dedication and devotion as Sovereign never wavered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss.”

He announced the new titles of the Royal family; he declared his son William and his wife Catherine are Prince and Princess of Wales, Catherine taking the title last used by Diana William’s mother. He also expressed love for “Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.”

Camilla his wife of about 17 years becomes the Queen Consort, he said “I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come rely so much.”

He concluded with a heartfelt message to his darling mama: “And to my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want to simply say this; thank you. 

“Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest.”   

Harry and Meghan who were in the UK for charity purpose when concerns for the Queen’s health heightened have extended their trip to attend the Queen’s funeral on 19 September. 

Sharing his personal tributes Harry said “Granny, while this final parting brings us great sadness, I am forever grateful for all of our first meetings from my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first times as my commander-in-chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren. 

“I cherish these times shared with you and the many other special moments in between. You are already sorely missed, not just by us, but by the world over.” He also thanked the queen for her service and infectious smile. “Thank you for your commitment to service. Thank you for your sound advice. 

“Thank you for your infectious smile. We, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace.”

Queen Elizabeth ll was the 40^th monarch in England; she reigned for 70 years, seven months, and two days making her the longest monarch to ever serve in the history of the United Kingdom.  

During her reign, 15 prime ministers served under her, she witnessed 14 U.S presidents and seven popes. The Queen had four children, eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

The Queen loved dogs and owned more than 30 Corgis and Dorgis during her reign and interestingly, most of them were descendants of her first Corgi, Susan, which was given to the Queen when she turned 18 in 1944.  

We hope that the transition of power will be met with ease for the new King, King Charles lll regardless of the war in Europe, soaring energy costs, and rampant inflation. The King is beginning his reign with a new prime minister who just assumed the role a couple of days ago.

All of us at A-CHOICES wish the queen a peaceful rest as she joins her husband and we pray the Lord upholds the Royal family. We also wish the King a peaceful reign. Long live the king!