The death of Queen Elizabeth II rippled across the globe Thursday, and for a handful of British soccer players on the University of Mobile’s roster, news of their monarch’s passing arrived thousands of miles from home.
Memories of a Queen Who Was Always There
Freshman Tom Durand, who grew up near Windsor Castle in London, said some of his earliest memories involve the long-reigning queen.
“Growing up, so I live quite close to Windsor Castle, and so like we used to drive past as a family all the time and they have the different flag posts whether she’s in or not,” Durand said. “And just as a kid, I remember driving past to see ‘oh, is the queen in?’”
A Symbol of Patriotism
Sophomore Sam Hughes, from Birmingham, England, described the monarchy as the focal point of British national identity.
“In terms of like America, how you guys are all quite patriotic about like the American flag, we’re the same with the queen,” Hughes said.
Sophomore Will Harris, from Essex, said her death marks a generational turning point: “Their whole life has been with her as the queen. So obviously it’s going to be tough. But yeah, I think it will be one of those moments where you will remember where you were.”
‘God Save the King’
The players noted that even routine traditions will now change — including the anthem they’ll sing at upcoming matches.
“Especially with the World Cup coming up, singing the national anthem — that song will have to be different,” Durand said. “That will be probably quite a surreal moment.”
“Yeah, God save the King,” Harris added. “Instead of God save the Queen. For the first time in everyone’s life,” Durand finished.