Queen Elizabeth II

[Joey Stewart]

Not sure if she was a chess player (although chess has historically been popular with monarchs and leaders so it would be highly likely that she at least knew the rules) but even so someone hugely influential in the UK with their own chess piece named surely deserves to be among the obituaries.

Long to reign over us the Queen most certainly did, and will be sorely missed. God save the Queen!

[Christopher Kreuzer]

An historic moment. And it is now 'God save the King'.

If you know where to look, the Wikipedia article on the national anthem was moved to change the title:

https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?ti ... =136245816

New Zealand Chess have put up an 'in memoriam' notice:

https://newzealandchess.nz/death-of-hm- ... zabeth-ii/

The official mourning period will be quite a confusing time, with some events and organisations suspended or postponed, and others still open or carrying on.

It will be a very impressive state funeral.

Edward Winter's page on chess and British Royalty shows latest update as 8 September 2022 (I think just to add the death year):

https://www.chesshistory.com/winter/extra/royalty.html

Apparently two chess problems were composed to mark the Royal Wedding in 1947.

[Andrew Zigmond]

From memory The Even More Complete Chess Addict reported that the Queen was asked if she played chess. Her response was, "I play, but I am always losing". I for one know that feeling!

I'm not a monarchist by any means but I am reflecting on the passing of a remarkable woman.

[JustinHorton]

From memory The Even More Complete Chess Addict reported that the Queen was asked if she played chess. Her response was, "I play, but I am always losing"

Did they have a source for that

[Richard James]

From memory The Even More Complete Chess Addict reported that the Queen was asked if she played chess. Her response was, "I play, but I am always losing"

Did they have a source for that

Off the top of my head I think it was from CHESS somewhere round about the mid 50s, and they'd taken it from a daily paper at the time. I suppose I could look it up if you really wanted.

[JustinHorton]

I don't suppose it's particularly important: if it's inaccurate it won't be the most inaccurate thing we hear in this context.

[Chris Goodall]

The present sovereign, according to Buckingham Palace, currently 'has no interest in the game' - although, they say, she did have Charles, Anne and the other royal children taught in the nursery.
But, according to Chess magazine (1956) the Queen, being shown round a working-men's hostel in St Pancreas, came across some chess-players. Her comment: 'I play, but I am always losing. I learned my chess the hard way.'

[Richard James]

The present sovereign, according to Buckingham Palace, currently 'has no interest in the game' - although, they say, she did have Charles, Anne and the other royal children taught in the nursery.
But, according to Chess magazine (1956) the Queen, being shown round a working-men's hostel in St Pancreas, came across some chess-players. Her comment: 'I play, but I am always losing. I learned my chess the hard way.'

Many thanks - I have a copy (of TCCA rather than TEMCCA) a few inches away from me at the moment, so I should really have looked it up myself!

[JustinHorton]

Do we have CHESS for 1956?

[Richard James]

Do we have CHESS for 1956?

I have a copy in the Chess Palace.

[Richard James]

Sir Clarence Sadd, opening the congress (Bognor) recalled that Queen Elizabeth I had been a chess player, keen enough to appoint certain courtiers "Chess Keepers".
Our present Queen, he remarked, was reported when visiting St Pancras Working Men's Club recently, to have found two men at play. "Do you play chess, Your Majesty?" the chairman asked her. "Yes", she replied "but I am always losing. I have learnt my chess the hard way."
Sir Clarence wondered whether Her Majesty might some day appoint a Minister of Chess.
A Chess Master Laureate sounds a slightly more feasible idea!

[John Upham]

Do we have CHESS for 1956?

Yes, I can scan it if you wish.

[JustinHorton]

was reported when visiting St Pancras Working Men's Club recentlly

Uh huh

[John Upham]

I received this non-chess but sporting message today.

Possibly the ECF will follow suit. I think they should.

Dear Table Tennis England family

I am very sorry to be contacting you at such a sad time for the table tennis community as we mourn the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.

Among the collective sadness that we will be feeling today, many of you will also have very understandable practical questions about what this will mean for your club or league activity, for tournaments that you will be planning to host, in the coming days and weeks.

We understand that the Royal Household will release official guidance on the forthcoming period of national mourning very shortly and this should include advice on sporting events. As soon as this information is available, we will share on our website.

The passing of Her Majesty The Queen has deeply saddened everyone connected with Table Tennis England and we have posted an official message of condolence on our website and social media channels.

The thoughts of everyone at Table Tennis England are with the Royal Family at this time.

Best Wishes

Adrian Christy

Chief Executive

[JustinHorton]

Or I dunno, maybe we could just get on with our lives