The Okanagan looks back on three visits from the late Queen Elizabeth II – Okanagan

A sandwich board outside Limey, The British Shop, in Kelowna, British Columbia, displayed no specials or deals of the day on Thursday.

Instead, it read: « RIP HRH (Her Royal Highness) Queen Elizabeth II ».

« I think it’s important to remember the Queen. Obviously we’re a British store, » said store employee Karen Mellet. ‘she. »

The news of Queen Elizabeth’s passing has stirred emotion among many Okanagans, especially those of British descent like Meller.

« It’s really sad, » she told Global News. « I think all of England is going to cry and a lot of other countries too. »

Meller said the Queen, who died on Thursday aged 96, was loved by many whether they were monarchists or not.

« I think she always tried to do the right thing, » Meller said. « She never got involved in politics…and she was family too. »

At nearby restaurant Shady Rest, which specializes in British-style fish and chips, there was a similar feeling.

“She was such a good leader,” said Alex Cawood, whose family is originally from England and owns and operates the restaurant.

« My cousin came from England about four years ago. She looked at those $20 bills in the till. She said, ‘No, the queen’s face must always be up,' » Cawood recalled. If it’s face down, it’s bad luck… So it’s just all around the queen that everyone loves. »

2:02
‘God Save the Queen’: Crowds of mourners gather across UK after news of Elizabeth’s death

Shady Rest customer Harry Fenton, also of British origin,

« It’s very sad, » Shady Rest customer Harry Fenton, also of British descent, said as he tried not to get emotional. « I was in the Royal Air Force so she was my queen for a very long time. »

During her reign, Queen Elizabeth II visited the Okanagan three times.

In 1959, she and Prince Phillip rode in a convertible through Vernon, British Columbia, then stayed at Pennask Lake Lodge.

In 1971, the Queen, accompanied by Prince Charles and Princess Anne, visited Penticton, then traveled to Kelowna and stopped at City Park before heading to Vernon for lunch.

And in 1983, Queen Elizabeth II landed at Kelowna airport and flew to Vernon for lunch.

It was a very brief stopover and part of her US West Coast tour.

The Queen’s last public appearance was on Tuesday when she appointed Liz Truss as the UK’s new Prime Minister.

It was his last duty before his death two days later.

« Maybe she thinks England are fine so it’s her time to go now and it was the right time, » Meller said.

Queen Elizabeth II was Britain’s longest-serving monarch and celebrated her Jubilee last February.

2:37
Queen Elizabeth II commemorated in Canada