ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The owner of Jack's London Grill and his customers told Spectrum Bay News 9 Thursday that while the passing of Queen Elizabeth II wasn't unexpected, it still came as a blow.

“When I saw it on the screen that she had actually passed, a deep wave of sorrow swept over me,” said Selinda Hollenback, a native of London who dined at Jack’s Thursday afternoon. “I get that she’s 96, and it was going to happen. I just feel a sense of peace for her — she’s going to be with Prince Philip again.”

“For me, she was a monumental person,” said Dr. Suzanne Ben-Kane, Hollenback’s friend. “Being from Ghana, being from West Africa, who were British colonies, we always sang to the queen, ‘God bless the Queen.’ Hearing that she’s passed away, it’s like history.”

Hollenback said Queen Elizabeth II was a constant presence growing up.

“Her unfaltering and unwavering dedication to her country is something that is her legacy forever," she said. "I feel kind of privileged to have been born and to have lived during her reign. I remember back in 1977, I was 6 years old, I remember going home with my little Silver Jubilee mug at school. It would be one of the little ornaments that went on our mantel."

Memorabilia from this year’s Platinum Jubilee celebration still decorates Jack’s. Owner Peter Leonavicius said the restaurant hosted a celebration earlier this year.

“That was such a momentous occasion, and she got to be a part of it,” Leonavicius said of the Queen. “I think we’re lucky and really happy that she could do that.”

American customers said they were also saddened to hear of the Queen’s death.

“I’m just in shock, actually, that it happened,” said Andie Eaton of St. Petersburg.

“She’s the longest running monarch in history,” said customer Sean Urban. “The change that she’s seen, the changes that she’s evoked under her reign — pretty impressive, especially for a woman in that position of power. It’s never easy for anybody, and often not easy for women.”

“The end of an era,” Hollenback said. “Really sad, but 96 — it was a good life and a very full life.”

Leonavicius said there had been talks of painting a mural of the Queen on the side of his restaurant, but now he’s considering having one painted of King Charles III. He also said he’ll likely host another special event this year — this time, to say goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II.