LANSING, Mich. — West Michigan is remembering Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday at the age of 96.
Queen Elizabeth II’s reign began in 1952. She served for seven decades, making her the longest-reigning British monarch.
Michigan was one of the stops the queen made when visiting the United States during her reign. In 1952, the queen, along with her husband Prince Phillip, toured the Great Lakes on their yacht in 1959. The cruise took the couple down the Detroit River, where many people remembered the sight of seeing the Royal Yacht Britannia.
In 1976, she made a trip to the White House for a dinner to celebrate the United States Bicentennial. The president at the time was Gerald R. Ford, who grew up in Grand Rapids. First Lady Betty Ford described the queen as easy to deal with, who was very definite about what she did and didn't want.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol, as well as at public buildings and grounds, to be lowered at half-staff to remember Queen Elizabeth II. The flags will continue to remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of interment.
“Queen Elizabeth II lived through and shaped history during her nearly 70-year reign,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today, in accordance with the president’s proclamation, we are lowering flags to honor her memory. My thoughts are with the royal family and the people of the United Kingdom.”
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