London, Ont. reacts to passing of Queen Elizabeth II

In a city with many ties to Britain, residents and leaders are reflecting and paying tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. 

The Queen and Canada’s head of state died Thursday at the age of 96. She will be remembered as Britain’s longest-reigning monarch serving 70 years on the throne.

“Obviously sad news, sad for everybody that’s in England. You know, you feel for the family and everybody," said London resident Phil Waddington. 

Customers at British specialty store A Taste of Britain visited to get a "bit of comfort food from home," store owner Carol Hayhow said.

At the same time, request for Union Jacks and other items related to the Queen are starting to come in.

“We have a few Jubilee items left still and those are starting to sell this afternoon after people have heard the news.”

Princess Elizabeth, soon to be the Queen first visited London in 1951. She returned for another visit in 1953.

Her 1973 visit is recalled by many Londoners, with CFPL-TV now CTV London putting 10 film crews on the story. Media reports at the time suggest 100,000 people came to see her.

Her last visit in 1997, again drew massive crowds as she and Prince Phillip made their way into a massive crowd.

“The times I’ve been in England and Scotland and never seen her, and I come to Canada and she comes to visit,” downtown business owner Diane Thomson, who is originally from the United Kingdom, recalled. 

Local municipalities are also lowering their flags to half-mast to mark the Queen's passing. 

London Mayor Ed Holder issued a statement expressing his “deep sadness” over the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

“Her love for Canada was profound, and our city experienced that affection firsthand on four separate occasions during Her Majesty’s visits to London. For many of us, she has come to represent steadfast service and constancy, particularly during more turbulent and uncertain times,” Holder said. “Elizabeth served as our Queen for a remarkable 70 years, doing so with grace and honour. We will cherish her reign for eternity.”

The mayor said as per tradition, the flag will sit at half-mast until sunset on the day of the Queen’s funeral. There will also be a book of condolences available in the city hall lobby for the public to sign from Friday morning until the funeral date.

Luke Charbonneau, the mayor of Saugeen Shores, a community he says was founded by British citizens, also issued a statement saying to town has always had an affinity for Queen Elizabeth II given the connection.

“While she was the heir to George VI, her public speeches during the Second World War provided comfort and strength to those members of our community who were doing their duty by serving their country. When she ascended to the throne as Queen of Canada, our residents cheered and celebrated their new monarch,” Charbonneau said.

“During her reign, she presided over the governments of 12 different Prime Ministers. Her longevity, her poise and grace, and her affinity for Canada – alongside her late consort, His Majesty Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh – were greatly appreciated by Canadians and will never be forgotten.”

The mayor offered his “deepest condolences” on behalf of the town and said the Canadian flags on all municipal offices will be lowered as well.  

- With files from CTV London's Sean Irvine