Steps away from the Cenotaph, engraved “To Our Glorious Dead,” crowds gathered outside London’s infamous Downing Street gates. Eager to hear more news regarding the death of Margaret Thatcher, press and civilians alike pushed up against the guards. “The Iron Lady” died of a stroke Monday morning, at the age of 87.
Famous for her rise from grocer’s daughter to political leader in class-conscious England and for her staunch Conservative loyalties, Thatcher was the first and, to date, only female prime minister of the United Kingdom. A divisive figure, she is remembered for breaking the power of labor unions with in the country and retaking the Falkland Islands by force in her three terms as prime minister. Her economic policies, so characteristic as to be later dubbed “Thatcherism,” revived the British economy while simultaneously drawing harsh criticisms from her opponents.
Adored or despised, Thatcher cut a revered figure throughout her political career. Though the Baroness had been in ill health for months, her death overwhelmed many and prompted immediate tributes from both Queen Elizabeth II and David Cameron. Today England mourns, with the Union Jack flying half-mast over 10 Downing.
In accordance with the wishes of her family, the late Baroness will not have a state funeral but will be afforded the same status as Princess Diana and the Queen Mother. Her ceremony will take place later in the week at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral.