Flags around the world, including in Petrolia and Central Lambton have been lowered as a sign of respect after the death of Queen Elizabeth II today.

The Queen died this morning in Scotland, just two days after greeting the newest Prime Minister of her country.

This year, the Queen marked 70 years on the throne – the longest serving monarch ever save behind 17th century French King Louis XIV, who took the throne at age 4 and reigned 74 years.

She was born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary in Mayfair, London, April 21, 1926, the first child of the future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, later called the Queen Mother. 

Elizabeth became heir-apparent to the throne after her uncle King Edward VIII abdicates and her father becomes king.

On Feb. 6, 1952, Elizabeth becomes queen upon the death of her father George VI. She was crowned June 2, 1953 in a televised ceremony.

The Queen and her husband, Prince Phillip, visited Sarnia in 1959 during the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The visit lasted 90 minutes and drew huge crowds. The Sarnia Observer wrote at the time: “People climbed telephone poles, hung from trees, perched on rooftops and stood five deep along the motorcade route. The crowds were so huge that it took half an hour longer than expected for the Queen to get to a reception in Canatara Park. At Norm Perry Park, a giant portrait of the Queen was on display.