Shining bright or shrouded in darkness, both are signs of respect for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
In New York City, the “city that never sleeps,” the Empire State Building serves as an enormous night light. Glimmering silver like jewels in a crown and bathed in the royal colour of purple, it lit up the night sky. The building’s Twitter account said: “Tonight, our tower lights will shine in purple and sparkle in silver to honor the life and legacy of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.”
The Queen and Prince Philip went to the top of the Empire State Building on their first state visit to the United States in 1957. A photo from the visit was tweeted by the building’s account with the simple message: “Rest In Peace Queen Elizabeth II.” In the photo, you see a young Queen Elizabeth smiling as she takes in the view of the New York City skyline.
Earlier this year, the Empire State Building joined in The Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations, being lit in gold and purple.
Across the English Channel, The Eiffel Tower chose to go dark to honour Queen Elizabeth II. Its Twitter account tweeted: “In tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, tonight, I will turn my lights off at midnight.”
The Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, tweeted: I have just assured Ambassador Menna Rawlings of Paris’ deep sympathy and support for the people of the United Kingdom. Tonight, the Eiffel Tower will be extinguished in homage to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
France was one of the favourite destinations of The Queen. In total she visited 13 times, as a Princess and as The Queen. She was also fluent in French.
Flags at the European Parliament were lowered to half mast on the announcement of The Queen’s death.
