SCSU Students Studying In The United Kingdom During Queen’s Passing

(KNSI) – Around 40 Saint Cloud State University students studying at Alnwick Castle in northern England are experiencing the death of Queen Elizabeth II with her British subjects.

Professor Doctor Emil Towner is the Academic Director at SCSU’s Alnwick Castle and says this is something the students will never forget.

“This is one of those moments where 30 to 40 years from now, everyone will look back and say, I know where I was when this happened. But for our students who are here, they’re gonna say I was actually in a castle in northeast England. They’re not reading about it and watching it on TV. They’re able to walk the streets and live it.”

He says even though the Queen’s health has been ailing recently, it was a surprise.

“It happened rather quickly. So I think it came as quite a shock. Even people who expected it were shocked when it actually happened. And so immediately now government has a plan, but everybody else is trying to figure out what they should do, where they should go, what’s going on.”

He says many businesses in the country are closed out of respect for the Queen. Towner says it’s hard for Americans to understand the relationship between the Queen and the people.

“The monarch is apolitical. They don’t get involved in the politics. So the parties can fight about policies. This person is there for the country to guide them through whatever they face.”

The Queen’s reign began shortly after World War II, and she has seen the United Kingdom through recessions, wars, and a pandemic. He says she is the only head of state many people in the Commonwealth have ever known.

“She’s been that calming presence for 70 years. Someone that could, with a wave of a hand, let you know that things were going to be okay and we’re going to get through this with that stiff British upper lip.”

Her son, Prince Charles, became king upon her death. He has taken the official title of King Charles III.

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