CHRIS JACKSON//GETTY IMAGES
To commemorate Queen Elizabeth‘s passing, large crowds gathered today throughout the UK and the rest of the world. At her beloved Scottish home, Balmoral, the 96-year-old queen passed away surrounded by her family. Nevertheless, despite the inherently depressing atmosphere that pervaded the day, nature provided some fans with a moving reminder of pleasure.
A rainbow appeared over the grounds of Windsor Castle just as the Union Jack flag was starting to be lowered in memory of the queen.
“As the flag is lowered to half mast over Windsor Castle an incredible rainbow appears over the castle, for a few minutes and then just like that it was gone…. ,” Chris Jackson, a royal photographer, posted a message on Twitter to honor the occasion.
Reporter Andy Lines uploaded a video of mourners gathered at Buckingham Palace in London as they witnessed an astonishing double rainbow that had appeared after a sign announcing the queen’s passing had been erected at the gates.
The vibrant arches provided a cheery contrast to the otherwise depressing day and, to some, were a tribute to the late queen herself, who was well known for her love of striking, vibrant clothing throughout her 70-year reign.
The queen is succeeded by her eldest child, King Charles III, formerly known as Prince Charles.
“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of great sadness for me and all members of my family,” the new king said in a statement. “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt through the country, the Realms, and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world. During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”
