On that very same day, I happened to be on holiday in Scotland, touring the beautiful nation.
“Like so many people, I’ve never known another monarch,” one U.K. resident told us.
Shock was the first emotion that hit.
It somehow seemed like she might never die.
After finishing our walking tour, our group split for dinner.
We ended up at a pub along the Royal Mile.
The news flashed on all of the TVs, portraying the scene outside of Buckingham palace.
Over the course of the next few days, things rapidly began to change.
This address made his ascension to the throne real for many, citizens and explorers of Scotland included.
This first day after the queen’s death was known as D Day,The Guardianreported.
By then, the 10-day plan called Operation London Bridge was well under way.
After reading about these events for so long, it was strange to be living it.
“As an American, I don’t fully understand the monarchy,” one tourist told us.
As we walked the Royal Mile, we saw signs going up in store windows honoring Queen Elizabeth II.
Behind them, screens showed seemingly endless tributes to Queen Elizabeth.
At the top of the mile sits Edinburgh Castle, and at the bottom, Hollyroodhouse Palace.
Roads continued to close and the police presence ramped up.
As we got up to the gate, we saw military personnel preparing for the salute.
We toasted the queen with Scottish residents at a nearby pub.
As we departed, the crowded roads were lined with mourners.
There was a palpable shift in the mood shift as the queen’s arrival drew nearer.
Approximately 20,000 people came to Edinburgh to pay their respects to the late queen, according toBBC.
Rest in peace, Your Majesty.
