The longest-reigning monarch in England’s history, Queen Elizabeth II, died on Sept. 8 at age 96 after seven decades on the throne.

With a public figure like the Queen of England passing, newsrooms were bustling worldwide. Reactions to the news, both globally and among the Stone Bridge student body, varied widely.

“I feel like it’s a tragedy.” junior Alex Alomia said. “It’s so sad that she’s gone.”

For some, their distance from British politics and the royal family’s history of imperialism leave little room for sympathy.

“As an American, this doesn’t affect me very much, but also as someone whose family is from India, my feelings towards the British royalty are not very favorable in general,” senior Hanaan Kazia said.

After Queen Elizabeth II’s death was confirmed, social media platforms were flooded with people sharing condolences or, in contrast, jokes about the matter. Just like her death, reactions to the jokes were sudden and unfiltered.

“I mean, I think it’s kind of funny; they’re just jokes,” junior TJ Sharp said.

Others think the remarks are in poor taste, especially considering the recency of her passing, believing that using her death as a punchline is disrespectful.

“I think it’s sad; I don’t know why people are joking about her death, ” senior Kyle Kopko said. “She’s literally one of the greatest people of our time–why is it so funny?”

Whether positive or negative, opinions on Queen Elizabeth II’s passing do not change the fact England is now in the era of King Charles III. While Charles technically became king the moment Queen Elizabeth II died, his actual coronation will not be until 2023.

“I think it’s about time for a change,” junior Vera Shtengel said. “I think it’s good there’s going to have a new monarch.”