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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Hollie Bone

Expats in Harry's new home of California honour Queen in true Brit style – at the pub

Brits more than 5,000 miles from home paid homage to Her Majesty in true English style by raising a pint following the sad news of her death aged 96.

Expats and Americans alike came together in California to honour the Queen across the new home state of Prince Harry, while he flew to Scotland on Thursday.

At Ye Olde Kings Head in Santa Monica, a shrine dedicated to the monarch featuring candles, roses and pictures was placed outside.

Among those parked up at the pub were young British actresses Tatiana Ashborn and Lydia Williams, who ordered cups of tea and full English breakfasts to mark the occasion.

The pair, who recently moved state-side, described the news as “a big British moment for British people” and said that hearing it while being in America had made them feel “homesick”.

Lisa Powers sets up a display of roses and candles beside a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II outside a British pub in Santa Monica, California (AFP via Getty Images)

Ms Ashborn, 19, said receiving news of the monarch’s death had been “devastating”.

“This morning, as British people we woke up with a massive hangover in bed and we heard the news and were getting messages constantly that the Queen had passed away which is devastating,” she told the PA news agency.

“We both cried, we were both so sad.”

Ms Williams, 24, added: “It’s a strange feeling being away from home because it’s such a big British moment for British people to feel together. I feel kind of homesick.

Ye Olde Kings Head in Santa Monica (Ye Olde Kings Head)

“It’s odd and we knew it was coming sadly, but… it’s strange, change is coming for the UK, and it’s exciting for the UK but it would be nice to be at home.”

Ms Ashborn added: “That’s why we came to a British pub and had English breakfasts.”

She continued: “It’s a big thing because even though we didn’t personally know her, it’s the whole idea that she did a lot for our country… and the fact that she is still a grandma to people.

“She’s a mum to people, and I think sometimes people just forget that.”

Gregg Donovan lights a candle at a memorial at Ye Olde King's Head British restaurant to honor Queen Elizabeth II (CAROLINE BREHMAN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Fellow British expats Sophie Weguelin and Fiona Fan, who both live in the Netherlands, praised the Queen as a “strong woman” deserving of admiration.

“It was quite emotional this morning, more emotional than we thought it was going to be,” Ms Weguelin told PA.

“As a female as well, she was such a strong woman and somebody we really look up to (even though) we’re not royalists… but the Queen is somebody you set apart.”

Ms Fan added: “She’s really empowering and it’s really important. She is amazing and considered a legend.”

People view a display of roses and candles beside a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II outside a British pub in Santa Monica (AFP via Getty Images)

But it wasn't just Brits who praised the monarch and felt saddened by her loss.

Gregg Donovan, a US actor and self-styled Hollywood ambassador, said he had seen British tourists “crying on the streets” of Los Angeles, and praised the Queen as a “kind and gracious” woman.

“It’s a sad day around the world,” said Mr Donovan, 62, who has previously met the monarch.

Christine McIntosh places a bouquet of roses on a Union Jack beside a portrait of the late Queen (AFP via Getty Images)

“America loves the Queen … and where I work in Hollywood people were shocked, the British tourists were crying on the streets.

Mr Donovan said that King Charles III is “a great and modern monarch” who will do “an excellent and wonderful job”.

He added that he intended to spend the rest of the day outside the pub, “like the Queen’s guards” to pay his respects.

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