Older Americans sad over passing of Queen Elizabeth II, sad over her passing at 96

The news that Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest reigning monarch, passed away at her Balmoral Estate in the Scottish Highlands at the age of 96 made an impact on older Americans. 18% say they’ve shed tears over her passing, 22% saying her death impacting them personally, and most (64%) even support the federal government flying the United States flag at half mast in tribute of her. Even saying that the length, from September 8 until her State Funeral and Interment on Monday was the right amount of time.

A recent poll conducted by YouGov stated that tens of millions of US Citizens planned to watch her funeral (24%), and a similar number plan to watch the coronation of her son and heir, King Charles III.

The poll also asked Americans about prior British Royal Family events they’ve seen, nearly half (48%) said they had seen footage of the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997 after her tragic death at the age of 36 from a car crash in Paris. 47% say they saw her wedding to the now King Charles III in 1981. Fewer watched the weddings of his sons, Prince William (40% watched his wedding to Catherine Middleton in 2011) and Prince Harry (38% watched him marry American Meghan Markle in 2018).

The other two events questioned had lower results, given that less people polled were alive for them, the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and her Wedding to Prince Philip in 1947-though about a quarter say they’ve seen footage of each.

Americans have an overwhelmingly positive opinion of the late Queen following her death following a trend from recent years. She was consistently the most popular member of the British Royal family when Americans were polled. The Economist conducted a poll I February with 61% saying they held a favorable opinion of the Queen. That jumped to 71% following another poll after her death.

Most Americans only have ever known this monarch of Great Britain and say that her reign which spanned 70 years will go down as outstanding (44%) or above average (28%). Two-Thirds (64%) of Americans who are 65 or older say her record will be remembered as outstanding. In that age group, 85% have favorable feelings.

Her successor, King Charles III, is less popular. The American opinion is evenly divided (35% favorable, 37% not favorable). Back in February, by contrast, 32% were favorable towards him while 46% were not. However, only 14% of Americans think that his reign will be able to live up to that of his late mother, with 4% saying it will be outstanding and 10% saying above average.

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