What It Was Really Like To Be In Scotland When The Queen Died

The day after he became king, King Charles III gave his first speech (via CNN). This address made his ascension to the throne real for many, citizens and explorers of Scotland included. We watched the speech play on a continuous loop at pubs throughout the day, and our eyes were glued to the screen as he signed his proclamation with Camilla, the queen consort, by his side (per Hello!). As her son began his reign, we realized that Queen Elizabeth was the last queen we will see in our lifetimes.

This first day after the queen’s death was known as D Day, The Guardian reported. 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. “But this is an incredibly sad event and it’s surreal to be a part of this moment in history.”

As we walked the Royal Mile, we saw signs going up in store windows honoring Queen Elizabeth II. Police and other officials began getting barriers set up along the streets in preparation for the arrival of the queen’s coffin a couple of days later. Edinburgh Castle and Hollyroodhouse Palace closed their doors, and we felt the city get more populated as mourners started coming to witness the queen’s final journey through Edinburgh. 

That night, our hostel’s bar had karaoke night and hundreds of people — foreigners and locals alike — came to sing their hearts out. Behind them, screens showed seemingly endless tributes to Queen Elizabeth.