Death of Queen Elizabeth: Brighton residents react

People across the city have joined the country in mourning after the Queen died on Thursday, September 8.

Flowers are being left in front of Brighton Pavilion in honour of the country’s longest reigning monarch as people paid their respects.

Chrissy Lewis, 70, said: “I feel quite emotional, I was born the year she came to the throne, so she has been with me all my life.

“I’m getting ready to celebrate my birthday so I feel that I have such a connection to her.”

Chrissy Lewis laying flowers with her grandchildren, Arianthe and Auriella. (Image: NQ Staff)

Ms Lewis brought her grandchildren, Arianthe, 10, and Auriella, 8, with her to lay flowers at the Pavilion.

Arianthe said: “I feel really sad. I watched it all last night and wanted to see everything.”

Flowers continue to be left at the Pavilion, which was lit up purple in honour of the monarch. A book of condolences is also there to be signed.

At Brighton train station, some were planning on heading to London to lay flowers at Buckingham Palace. 

Brayden Wright and Emily King felt particularly sad as Australians living in the UK. Brayden, 25, said that the Queen was “a big part of our history”, adding that “it’s a historical moment”. Both Brayden and Emily, 22, work for the ambulance service and say that elements of their work will change with the accession of King Charles III.

Brayden Wright and Emily King (Image: NQ Staff)

The Queen has been the only monarch that the majority of people have ever known, with those that remember the coronation feeling especially connected to the late monarch. Pam Walmsley and Margaret Butler, both 77, were around eight years old when the Queen was coronated in 1953.

Margaret said: “We are very sad, it all came quite suddenly.” Pam added: “She’s been there all our lives, but she’s back with Phillip now. I don’t think she ever got over that.”