Many North Carolinians paid their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II this week at the North Carolina State Capitol Building.
The royal family announced the queen had died peacefully at Balmoral Castle, her summer residence in Scotland, in a press release on Sept. 8.
"We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and much-loved mother," King Charles III said in a press release. "I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world."
In response to her death, Gov. Roy Cooper ordered a public book of condolences to be placed inside the State Capitol and invited all North Carolinians to offer personal reflections upon the queen's life.
The book of condolences was placed within the Capitol Rotunda from Sept. 12 to Sept. 17 and was open to public signatures. Cooper said he will send the book to the British royal family on behalf of the people of North Carolina.
“Queen Elizabeth led with unparalleled dignity over seven decades of a rapidly changing world,” Cooper said in a Sept. 9 press release. “North Carolina is proud of our close relationship with the people of Great Britain and we mourn the loss of an extraordinary leader.”
Additionally, all United States and North Carolina flags at the Capitol were flown at half-staff until the end of the day of the queen’s interment, per Cooper’s instructions.
“The example of the queen’s grace and dignity is something that I want my children and their children to know," Betsy Tyler, an 86-year-old Raleigh resident who signed the book, said.
Tyler said the queen was the epitome of grace and elegance, and she handled obstacles well.