'All of my life, she's been my queen:' Ventura County reacts to death of Queen Elizabeth II

With the death of Queen Elizabeth II Thursday at 96, locals joined mourners across the world, sharing their sentiments about the monarch.

At the Crown & Anchor British restaurant and pub in Thousand Oaks, owner Ged Peer from Middlesbrough near Yorkshire said for him, news of the queen's death was a shock.

"We grew up with her," he said. "I always respected the queen. I'm not a big royalist, but when I go back to England, well, there's a flutter in your heart and a lump in your chest. I feel like she's family. I'm sad."

Longest-ever reign: Queen Elizabeth II dies at 96; King Charles III takes the throne

The palace issued a black-bordered statement about 6.30 p.m. local time announcing the monarch's death at Balmoral Castle, her estate in Scotland. 

"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," the statement said. "The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

Her eldest son and heir, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, 73, immediately became King Charles III upon her death. His wife became Queen Consort Camilla.

Other locals expressed shock and grief at the longest-reigning monarch's passing. The queen had been on the throne for more than seven decades.

Susan Malloy, owner of British emporium Rosie Lee Imports in Ventura, said there were going to be a lot of sad people.

"All of my life, she's been my queen," said Malloy from her novelty shop on Main Street. "She had an amazing life. She worked up until her death. She just introduced the new prime minister."

For Malloy, she needed time to process the news. In her shop, customer Shirley Ruge, currently from Palm Springs but in Ventura to buy a house, said that she felt sad.

"When she was still a teenager, she was driving a jeep in London. I so admired that woman," Ruge said. "I think she's amazing. Dignified."

In Simi Valley, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute issued a statement expressing sorrow and sending thoughts and prayers to the British royal family.

Foundation board Chairman Fred Ryan said he was reminded of the enduring relationship that Reagan had with Queen Elizabeth II. He shared stories about their time together.

California visit: Annenbergs 'enjoyed an enduring friendship' with Queen Elizabeth II, who visited Sunnylands

"President Reagan and Queen Elizabeth II felt very comfortable with one another, and they looked forward to whenever they could get together," the statement says.

In one case in March 1983, Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan hosted Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip at the first couple's Santa Barbara home, Rancho Del Cielo, according to the museum's website. The visit was part of a 10-day West Coast tour.

Related: Queen Elizabeth II's coffin transported through Scotland

One of president and Mrs. Reagan's "fondest memories" was an event later in the tour celebrating the their 31st wedding anniversary aboard the royal yacht Britannia, the statement recounts.

The royal couple gave the Reagans an engraved silver box, which is still on display in their private offices at the library in Simi Valley.

Victoria Talbot is a courts and breaking news reporter with The Star. Reach her at victoria.talbot@vcstar.com or 805-437-0258. 

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura County locals express grief, shock at Queen Elizabeth's death