It was with great sadness that we as a society recieved the news that Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Whether a monarchist or not, her devotion to duty and the country was without question. As one of the most iconic figures of the age, the Queen will be fondly remembered by all those who grew up knowing her as the internationally renowned figurehead of this, the United Kingdom of Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales .
As a monarch, she ruled longer than any other British Monarch, reigning from her coronation on the 6th of February 1952 after her father King George VI’s death, until her passing on 8th of September 2022. A total in excess of 70 years devoted service to our country. She was made queen at the early age of 25, a huge burden for anyone to carry never mind someone so young. During her life our country has celebrated with her, her Silver (1977), Golden (2002), Diamond (2012)and Platinum (2022) Jubilees.
An inspiration to many at home and abroad, she goes to join her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh who passed in April 2021. Her Majesty will be sadly missed.
She is succeeded to the throne by her eldest son Prince Charles, who became King Charles III immediately on her passing.
According to her biography on Britannica, which can be found here in full
Elizabeth II, in full Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, officially Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of her other realms and territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, (born April 21, 1926, London, England—died September 8, 2022, Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland), queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from February 6, 1952, to September 8, 2022. In 2015 she surpassed Victoria to become the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
The Chief, the clan/family and the Society send its heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family at this time and further send best wishes to His Royal Highness King Charles III for his reign.
We should not forget that it is through the auspices of the British Monarch, ie Queen Elizabeth and now King Charles, that the Lord Lyon functions within the legality of the Scottish judicial system, issues Letters Patents with the right of an individual to bear arms. It is through that right to bear the arms of the chief, that clan/family chiefs are recognised.
As such and as chief of Carruthers, Peter Carruthers of Holmains, who along with all other Scottish chiefs bearing the chiefly arms of their clan or family whether from Fraser to Macdonald or from Elliot to Scott, can claim legal and heriditary recognition directly from the British crown as being: ‘of that ilk’ or ‘of the Name and Arms of’, in our case Carruthers.
There is nothing higher in the Scottish clan/family system than that legal and by virtue of acceptance from the Lord Lyon, that royal recognition.
Rest in peace your Majesty, Long live the King
