Queen Elizabeth II leaves behind a kingdom deeply grieving and badly shaken by her loss. For many, the monarch and monarchy had become indivisible. Even though Prince Charles has had almost a lifetime to prepare for his succession, the institution will be seriously challenged. The expressions of grief and heartfelt tributes will throw a cloak also over a deeper uncertainty. For how long will the union over which she reigned — the United Kingdom of the three nations of Britain and Northern Ireland — outlive her?
女王伊丽莎白二世留下的是一个沉浸在悲痛之中的王国。对许多人来说,君主和君主制已经不可分割。尽管查尔斯王子几乎用了一辈子的时间来准备他的继任,但这一制度将受到严重挑战。悲伤的表达和衷心的哀悼,也掩盖了更深层次的不确定性。她统治下的联合王国——大不列颠和北爱尔兰三个国家组成的联合王国——能比她多活多久?