Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s longest reigning monarch, has passed away at the age of 96. She was surrounded by her family, including her children and grandchildren who traveled to Balmoral in Scotland to be by her side before she died.
At her side was Prince Charles, soon to be sworn in as king, along with his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Also in attendance were Prince Andrew; Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex; and Prince William were also present. Prince Harry was said to be traveling to the Queen’s beloved holiday home to be with his family at this difficult time.
The United Kingdom and other commonwealth nations will now observe a 10-day period of mourning, with a state funeral taking place at a date to be announced in due course. The formal announcement of her death has been affixed to the railings at Buckingham Palace as tradition dictates, and a ceremonial gun salute will be given as a mark of respect, The Guardian reports.
Charles, the Prince of Wales, is now officially king, though his coronation date has not yet been determined. He is, however, expected to meet with Prime Minister Liz Truss at some point today before an official proclamation is made at an accession council at St. James Palace.
Charles, who will reign as King Charles III, issued a statement shortly after his mother’s passing, saying: “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms, and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”
The statement continued: “During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”
A statement from His Majesty The King: pic.twitter.com/AnBiyZCher
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
BREAKING NEWS:
RIP Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 96. The greatest Monarch in history, and the greatest of Britons. Dignified, humble, wise, stoic, and dedicated to duty & service to the country she loved. Thank you for everything, Ma’am. We will be forever indebted to you. pic.twitter.com/8PVVic4PIx— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 8, 2022
Such a terribly sad day. Her Majesty The Queen has died. A truly remarkable woman who served her country with dignity, loyalty and grace. A comforting ever present in the lives of most of us. Rest In Peace, Your Majesty.
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) September 8, 2022
Her Majesty The Queen,
Elizabeth II
1926 – 2022 pic.twitter.com/7TvurmKdm5— Capital (@CapitalOfficial) September 8, 2022
Buckingham Palace has announced Her Majesty the Queen has died pic.twitter.com/BZPGACmlyt
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 8, 2022
We join millions of people around the world in mourning the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Her Majesty was our longest reigning monarch and will be remembered for a remarkable lifetime of service. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time. pic.twitter.com/LqwkeKi6Cy
— The Tower of London (@TowerOfLondon) September 8, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and all the people Her Majesty inspired throughout her lifetime of service. pic.twitter.com/r5pjncyCu8
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) September 8, 2022
The death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth is a profoundly sad moment for the UK, the Commonwealth and the world.
Her life was one of extraordinary dedication and service.
On behalf of the people of Scotland, I convey my deepest condolences to The King and the Royal Family. https://t.co/o2XqGJMF2S— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) September 8, 2022
It is with deep sorrow that we have received the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. More information can be found at: https://t.co/uarAPmex4u pic.twitter.com/zTyZfouBg8
— British Army 🇬🇧 (@BritishArmy) September 8, 2022
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years. I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) September 8, 2022
