The streets of central Manchester were unusually quiet on Friday as the city came to terms with the death of Queen Elizabeth II. People expressed sadness, with many saying they were surprised at how much the news had affected them.
Julie Iveson and Paige Eastwood travelled from Preston to sign the book of condolence at Manchester Cathedral. “I know she was 96 but we weren’t ready for this news,” Iveson said. “She was a friend of Manchester, and Mancunians collectively share so many fond memories of her.”
Eastwood was moved by what she described as an “incredibly sombre mood” in the city centre, pointing to a rainbow forming amid the clouds and saying she had seen photos of others like it on social media.
The pair were among dozens watching from under a shop canopy as the rain subsided and the lord mayor of Manchester, Donna Ludford, and the leader of the city council, Bev Craig, laid flowers in St Ann’s Square.
Craig told gathering crowds: “The Queen has been there for the people of Manchester in our greatest moments – such as the Commonwealth Games and the opening of the BBC’s base at MediaCity in Salford – and in our darkest days – such as the 2017 arena attack when she came to comfort survivors. She had so much warmth and, as a city, we will remember her very fondly.”
Ludford called her a “stoic woman” who “conducted herself with great dignity”.
Craig added: “In a divided society, we hope that the principles she embodied will help bind us together as we move into the next chapter.”
This sentiment was one echoed by Ian and Virginia Booth, who were visiting from Yorkshire. “I remember when she visited Halifax in her days as a princess,” said Ian. “She did a lot for this country and was part of the backdrop of our lives for so long.”
At midday, church bells rang across the nation and many observed a moment’s silence. Outside Manchester Cathedral, workers and shoppers paused to listen and reflect.
Mark Wood stepped out of work to lay flowers on the grass where the Queen stood just over a year ago during a visit to the city. “She was the centre of the nation’s life,” he said. “It’s hard to imagine what the future looks like now. Charles will really have to prove himself.”
South of the city centre, in Withington, Sara Zahoor said she was keen for her two children to know about the Queen’s life and understand its significance. “As someone who is originally from Pakistan, I’m surprised at how much the news upset me. Speaking to my mum, who still lives in Pakistan, last night, I realised this loss will be felt around the world.”
At a barbershop, Marko Ola said the Queen’s death had been the main topic of conversation among customers all day. “It’s really sad,” he said, noting, however that “10 days of mourning feels a bit overkill – especially if it affects local businesses”.
Some felt less sombre. Awais Khan, walking through Albert Square to meet friends, said he felt the monarchy was “outdated” and although he was sad to hear of the Queen’s death, he would not be mourning.
Katie Dunning was similarly ambivalent. She said that while she appreciated the Queen had done a lot for Britain, she did not feel a strong connection to her. “As a nurse who works in a hospital ward with elderly people, I think her life – and her death – has been better than a lot of people could ever hope for.”
For most people, though, the feeling was that they woke up on Friday in a Britain that was worse off.
Having lunch in a sunny interlude between showers, construction worker Tony Fenemore summed up the mood of most in Manchester. “Losing the Queen reminds me of how I felt when my mum died. It’s like she was part of my family. We’ll keep going of course, but things won’t be the same.”
