A note from IMD Legal Translation and Interpreting regarding the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

On the afternoon of Thursday 8th September 2022 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away in her home at Balmoral.

Even though the Queen may not have been part of our immediate families, many of us have “grown up” with her and have known no other monarch on the throne - throughout her 70-year reign, she’s been part of our lives, on our coinage, passports, postage stamps, as patron to many of our organisations – a constant part of the lives of our grandparents, our parents, and ours.

Whilst not all people are supporters of the monarchy, it is nevertheless impossible not to recognise the strength of character and sense of duty of Her Majesty The Queen. Much of the nation, along with many across the Commonwealth and people from around the rest of the world are now in mourning. There will be grief for the individual who has now left us, but also for the passing of an era; the passage of time can make us reflective and melancholy: in this respect we grieve for ourselves and for the others we have lost, too.

Grieving someone is about reflecting on the connection and attachment we had with them that no longer physically exists;  in the words of Her Majesty “Grief is the price we pay for love”. Whilst we may not have known her personally, and her advancing age and failing health mean her eventual passing is not unexpected, such a loss can nevertheless come as a sad shock.

For individuals who may be experiencing grief at this time, please find some resources and guidance available through the NHS. For guidance on how to speak with children, who may have recently come to know the Queen through the Jubilee celebrations, about death, please see some resources here.

At this time we mourn the passing of a great woman, a beloved mother and grandmother, a seasoned diplomat, a devoted servant to her people, but we must also look towards the start of a new era and new Reign under a new King - The Queen is dead, long live the King.

James Halstead

General Manager

IMD Legal Translation and Interpreting Ltd