Utrecht – At the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Utrecht, worshippers and visitors are paying their respects following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. At the entrance to the English-speaking church, a photo of the British queen hangs with the text below it reading: “In memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.” Inside the church, visitors—most of whom speak English—can sign a condolence book.
TV segment, photos, and text by Ulrike Nagel.
At Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Utrecht, people are mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. Visitors are signing a condolence book and sharing personal memories of the queen, who died at the age of 96 at her vacation home in Scotland.
Sexton Simon Urquhart recalls her coronation in 1952 and praises her neutrality as head of state. Reverend Ruan Crew calls her a symbol of stability. Her passing is also being commemorated outside the church, including with a British flag flying at half-mast on Bollenhofsestraat.
The monarch passed away Thursday afternoon at the age of 96 at her vacation home in Scotland. All visitors to the church today have their own memories of the British queen.
“I felt like I could easily get to know her,” says Australian Ann-Marie Michielsen. “That made me feel as if she were part of my family, too.” In her condolence message, she expresses her sympathy to the British queen’s family and to all who loved her. “I also wrote that she was a wonderful and special person.”
‘Surprised by how sad I am’
Sexton Simon Urquhart, who also signed the condolence book, vividly remembers watching Elizabeth II’s coronation on television in 1952. “It was the first time I ever watched television,” he says. The church sexton is deeply moved by the Queen’s sudden passing. “I’m personally very sad; I’m surprised at how sad I am.”
Urquhart has great respect for the way she reigned. “She served under fifteen prime ministers, all of whom were very different. When you think about that, it’s impressive that she remained true to her role as head of state: neutral.”
Loyal to the Queen
Pastor Ruan Crew began serving as pastor at the Utrecht church a few weeks ago. During his installation last Saturday, he swore an oath of allegiance to the Queen. For him, too, it came as a shock when the news was announced. “Of course, you know it’s coming, but when you actually hear it, it’s still a shock, naturally,” he says. “Then you have to put everything on hold and make yourself available to people who want to mourn.”
According to the Utrecht pastor, the Queen was important to many people. So he’s not surprised by the shocked reactions to her sudden passing, both nationally and internationally. “I think she was a symbol of stability, and suddenly that’s gone. You really feel that loss.”
For Ann-Marie, it’s taking some getting used to that the lyrics of the national anthem have changed. “From now on, it’s ‘God Save the King.’ That’s difficult, because I immediately think of all those years we sang ‘God Save Our Gracious Queen.’”
Flag at half-mast
Outside the church, too, people are visibly reflecting on the Queen’s passing. In Utrecht, the British flag is flying at half-mast at a home on Bollenhofsestraat. “My wife is British,” says resident Yoox Melchert. “She now has Dutch citizenship, but we’re still very sad.”
The death of Queen Elizabeth II came as a great surprise to the couple. They may do something to honor her memory. “In England, 10 days of national mourning have been declared. So the flag will probably stay up for a while.”
