Following Her Majesty’s passing at the age of 96, the British public and admirers from around the Commonwealth and the world are remembering the first time they met the Queen.
Following this evening’s announcement by Buckingham Palace, there has been an online outpouring of mourning from many, including prominent figures and foreign leaders.
The most heartfelt tributes, however, have come from the ‘regular’ individuals who met her, with many flocking to social media to reminisce about the time they had the privilege of meeting Queen Elizabeth II.
In 2019, one British Airways flight attendant was ‘humbled’ to have met the monarch.
Several athletes posted tributes to the monarch along with photographs from the moment they met her.
Will Carling, a rugby player, stated that he was “very honored” to have met the Queen multiple times.
She was such a remarkable individual.
Neil Back MBE, a former England international rugby union footballer, congratulated the Queen for her years of service, which he described as having been “performed with grace and respect.”
Over a decade ago, Scottish track and field runner Jamie Bowie uploaded a photo of his visit with Queen Elizabeth.
“Incredible lifetime of service to our country, in 70 years as Queen!” he captioned it. Over a decade ago, one was lucky enough to have met Queen Elizabeth.’
One BA flight attendant who met the monarch at an occasion in 2019 described the experience as “humbling.”
Over a decade ago, the Scottish track and field athlete Jamie Bowie met Queen Elizabeth.
Neil Back MBE stated that it was an honor to have met the Queen due to her’such grace and dignity’ during her reign.
MailOnline readers submitted their personal recollections of meeting the Queen and the influence she had on their lives.
In 2019, Beverley Bowman met the Queen as she launched the Haig Housing Estate in south London’s Morden neighborhood.
Beverley stated, “She entered our home and spoke to our family.”
Beverley Bowman sent a photo of her 2019 meeting with the Queen at the opening of Haig Housing Estate. She stated, “Nothing but praise for her, she captivated everyone while she was here.”
“She was a beautiful lady who put us at ease.” She was aware of our infant daughter who we tragically lost.
She interacted with our sons and exhibited genuine interest, which was a pleasant surprise. All praise for her, she captivated everyone when she was here.’
Additionally, readers recognized the Queen’s influence throughout their families’ generations.
Angela Walker Crosby stated that her father, Robert Fletcher, met the Queen in 2006 and received an MBE for his 46 years of service.
Robert, a bus driver from Merseyside, was struck by the Queen’s recollection of how difficult his job would have been during the winter of 1962.
Helen McLean’s father, Wing Commander R W Guy, was the Station Commander at RAF Kemble, where he greeted the Queen as she landed at the base.
Helen stated, ‘Dad was quite impressed with her and commented on how she showed genuine interest in the people she met and the things she was shown, taking the time to listen and observe’
Di Bellis also tweeted photographs of her encounter with the Queen and Prince Philip in Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire, including one of Robert Bellis presenting the monarch with a bouquet of flowers.
In 2006, Robert Fletcher, a bus driver from Merseyside, met the Queen. She remembers the harsh winter of 1962 and how difficult it must have been to operate a bus then.
Wing Commander R W Guy met the Queen upon her arrival and departure from RAF Kemble. He remarked on her genuine interest in the persons she encountered.
Di Bellis submitted a photo collage from her encounter with the Queen at Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire.
Others were fortunate enough to exchange a few words with Her Majesty while receiving awards.
Mary Long-Dhonau OBE, a food activist, stated, “I feel very honoured to have seen our beloved Queen twice. RIP your majesty. Many individuals will miss you! ‘
Catrina McHugh, the writer who started the Open Clasp Theatre Company, recalls receiving her MBE.
“When I met the Queen, I wanted to embrace her; I was awestruck, and she reminded me of my aunt Maggie.” She was friendly.
Those who were fortunate enough to exchange a few words with Her Majesty as she presented them with awards.
Hannah Cockroft wrote the following message beside a photo of her shaking the Queen’s hand: ‘Rest in peace, Queen Elizabeth II.
Our longest reigning queen, the only monarch I’ve ever known, and a source of inspiration for everybody. I am honored to have met you and to have served as Calderdale’s Deputy Lieutenant.
Thank you for your years of devotion, duty, and commitment to the Commonwealth.
One woman stated, “I was a first-year architecture student.” I had the opportunity to meet her and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh.
A woman tweeted images of the Queen’s 1997 visit at the National College of Arts in Lahor.
She stated, “I was a first-year architecture student.” I had the opportunity to meet her and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh.
In 2017, the Queen visited Millie Robson at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital following the Manchester Arena attack.
“This event meant so lot to me,” she tweeted today to honor Her Majesty, when she was 15 years old.
Garth Dallas was among the numerous individuals who commented on the profound influence the Queen had on everyone she met.
He recalled the great moment when they first met, especially when “she looked me in the eye and beamed with happiness.”
The Queen visited Millie Robson, from County Durham, in the hospital when she was 15 years old. She expressed gratitude and honor for the visit today.
Garth Dallas, consultant CEO and non-executive director at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, reported that the Queen greeted him with a “beaming smile” when they met.
Her Majesty passed away quietly at her Balmoral residence, accompanied by her family, including her son Charles and grandson William.
Britain and her Commonwealth states will observe a ten-day period of mourning following the death of the Queen, during which millions of her subjects in the UK and abroad will come to grips with her loss.
The world’s leaders and prominent public figures have sent their condolences.
Have you ever met the Queen? Send photographs and recollections of her to tips@dailymail.com***.