As residents of the United Kingdom prepare to mark the historic Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, some Brits living in North Georgia are reflecting on the only monarch many have ever known.
"I've been an American citizen for more than 40 years, but you know you never stop being British, so I'm still claiming her as my Queen," Doreen Morters told AccessWDUN.
Morters grew up in Wigan, a small working-class town near Manchester in Northwest England. She said the monarchy was very popular in her community.
"I remember when she came to Wigan, we all lined up in the town along the side of the road, and I remember her driving past in a black car," Morters explained. "We just felt honored to have her there––she wasn't just somebody; she was it."
When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned on June 2, 1953, Maureen Smith was about to turn two years old. The coronation occurred 16 months after she took the throne following the sudden death of her father, King George VI.
"The Queen has always been there," Smith explained. "She's just a point of stability for me."
As a nonpolitical and unelected head of state, the Queen is above the traditional politics of presidents or even prime ministers, which is advantageous, according to Smith.
"She keeps the ship upright," she said.
Smith grew up in Thundersley, a small town in the Eastern part of England.
"When I think of the Royal family, I immediately think of the Queen; not Prince Charles, William, or the rest," Smith quipped.
Thursday marks the start of several days of celebrations in the United Kingdom and across other nations in the commonwealth. In addition to the UK, the Queen is the head of state in more than a dozen other countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Belize and others.
While Morters said she would just follow the events on social media, Smith has been ready for the celebrations for some time. She's even got a special "Jubilee flag" outside of her home to mark the occasion. Her relatives in the UK will have many opportunities to celebrate.
"There will be street parties and church services; it's just going to be a great celebration––I wish I was there actually," Smith said.
