The Sheffield, an English pub in the community of Brighton, established a couple years ago by Englishman Joe McBane, whose family and friends back home among those processing the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

“Everyone's sad,” McBane said. “You know she's been on the throne for just so long, you know, it seemed like the day would never come.”

While it’s business as usual at the pub, McBane recalls his brush with royalty.

“So when I was a little kid, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, drove past our school,” he explained. “So we all went out with our union jack flags. And we all waved and we did get the royal wave. And then my dad was actually…invited to Buckingham Palace, and he was given an MBE, Member of the British Empire, about 12 years ago, and he was given his medal in Buckingham Palace by what’s now King Charles.”

The now King Charles III, McBane talks about the change in leadership at Buckingham Palace.

“All the controversy and the aftermath of Diana, I think it softened a lot,” he said. “People are pretty comfortable with Camilla now…I think King Charles will maintain the traditions of the throne.”

​Photo: Spectrum News 1​

The pub owner brings English traditions to the U.S. and hopes British traditions are maintained in his homeland as the shift in the Monarchy takes place.

“It’s part of our identity as Brits,” he said.

Respect and thanks to the long reigning Queen.

“So much history she saw so much change in society, you know, going back to the world wars and you know, I mean, society has changed in those 70 years, to an extent that has never been seen before to that level…And she managed to maintain the links with the government and the people, yet still maintain the respectability and traditions of the crown, which is kind of amazing, I think,” he said.

As so many Brits are doing this week, McBane joins in raising a glass to Queen Elizabeth.

“All the best to the Queen. Thank you for your 70 years.  Long live the King,” McBane said.