Death Announcement: Queen Elizabeth II Passes Away
Düsseldorf's Bond with the British Crown: A Modern Saga
Step into Düsseldorf, a city with a unique connection to the British Crown that unfolds in the realm of contemporary royalty and diplomacy rather than ancient alliances. While Düsseldorf may not boast a rich, documented past with the British monarchy, it has found its place in the annals of modern British-German relations.
Post World War II, the British military government united the Rhineland with Westphalia, paving the way for North Rhine-Westphalia's (NRW) establishment in 1946. Düsseldorf proudly served as the state capital. It was a move that marked the start of an intriguing chapter in Düsseldorf's relationship with the British Crown.
From gazing upon the Queen's motorcade in 1965 to warmly welcoming her grandson, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan, in 2022, Düsseldorf has played host to a string of illustrious British royals. Queen Elizabeth II's tours in 1965 and 2004 left indelible marks on the city, with the monarch being bestowed the highest award of the state capital, the Great Golden Ring, in 1965.
The city's mayor, Dr. Stephan Keller, expressed sentiments of loss and admiration upon the news of the late Queen's demise. He reminisced about Prince Harry and Meghan's recent visit and recalled previous meetings with Prince William in 2016. The city mourns the passing of a monarch who was deeply respected and cherished by the people of Düsseldorf.
In a heartfelt gesture, the city and the British Consulate General have opened a condolence book in the town hall, allowing residents and visitors to pay their respects. The book is accessible during the weekdays and weekends until September 18, offering a chance for Düsseldorf's people to express their condolences in person.
For those unable to visit, an online condolence book has been set up at www.royal.uk/statement-buckingham-palace.
Looking beyond the sadness that engulfs Düsseldorf in the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth II's passing, the city gears up to host the 2027 Invictus Games. With Prince Harry playing a pivotal role in organizing the event, the games may serve as a symbolic reaffirmation of the bond between Düsseldorf and the British Crown, fostering an era of unity and camaraderie between the UK and Germany.
As the city prepares to embrace this unique humanitarian initiative, it reaffirms its role as a testament to modern British-German royal and civic collaboration. A bond born out of the spirit of the Invictus Games, giving Düsseldorf a place in the British royal family's heart and etching its name in the annals of Anglo-German history.
The city of Düsseldorf, having welcomed numerous British royals over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry, shares a significant bond with the British Crown in modern politics and general news. As the city looks forward to hosting the 2027 Invictus Games, the event may further strengthen this connection, symbolizing a new era of unity and camaraderie between the UK and Germany, making headlines in the realm of contemporary British-German relations.
Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the people of Düsseldorf have shown their deep respect and affection by signing condolence books set up in the town hall and online, maintaining the city's connection with the British royal family in times of grief and celebration.
