Is it the wrong time to talk about it? Many are talking about the Queen’s role in the British Empire. But others say this week should be a time to be sad about her death and questions can come later.
X
Next
Sad days and questions about past wrongs
Is it the wrong time to talk about it? Many are talking about the Queen's role in the British Empire. But others say this week should be a time to be sad about her death and questions can come later.
X
PreviousNext
What's happening
Along the banks of London's River Thames, a huge queue is forming. The people in the queue are waiting to see the Queen before her funeralA service held after someone has died to remember their life.. Many have tears in their eyes.
Many people are sad about the death of the Queen. But some are asking questions about the role she played in her life and the role of her family.
Elizabeth II was not just Britain's Queen. She was also the Queen of Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Jamaica, Papua New GuineaA country of 8.9 million people covering half of the island of New Guinea in Oceania. and nine other countries.
They are all part of a big group of countries called the Commonwealth. Most of these countries were once part of the British EmpireA group of countries that were once ruled or controlled by the UK, including Australia, Canada, India and large parts of Africa..
The British Empire ended in 1947. Only a few years later, in 1952, Princess Elizabeth became Queen. At times, people who lived in the British Empire were treated very badly. Some were hurt, and some countries had their money taken to Britain.
Find out more
Today, people do not agree on whether anyone can be blamed for things that happened when the British Empire did exist. But some think the Royal Family must now say sorry.
Is it the wrong time to talk about it?
Yes! One day, we must look back at the past and talk about things which were wrong. But this week is a time to say goodbye to the Queen.
No! This is a time of change. Britain has a new King. We must talk about the past as we look at the future.
X
Previous
Keywords
Funeral - A service held after someone has died to remember their life.
Papua New Guinea - A country of 8.9 million people covering half of the island of New Guinea in Oceania.
British Empire - A group of countries that were once ruled or controlled by the UK, including Australia, Canada, India and large parts of Africa.
Sad days and questions about past wrongs
Looking back: At the peak of the empire, Britain ruled over a quarter of the world. Glossary
Funeral - A service held after someone has died to remember their life.
Papua New Guinea - A country of 8.9 million people covering half of the island of New Guinea in Oceania.
British Empire - A group of countries that were once ruled or controlled by the UK, including Australia, Canada, India and large parts of Africa.