Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled Britain for 69 years as its head of state, passed away at the age of 96.
Her Majesty passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle. Prince Charles and Prince William, among others, had made the trip to Scotland to be by her side after doctors on Thursday expressed new worries about her health.
The Palace stated in a press release: “The Queen passed away peacefully this afternoon at Balmoral. The King and the Queen Consort will spend this evening and tomorrow at Balmoral before departing for London.”
Family members were seen entering Balmoral just before the announcement. Prince William, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex were seen driving into the estate. For the sake of raising her three children with William, the Duchess of Cambridge stayed in London.
Aides in black also officially posted the announcement to the railings outside Buckingham Palace as the Union flag was lowered to half-mast.
After the passing of her father, Elizabeth, who was only 25 years old, ascended to the throne. She recently commemorated her Platinum Jubilee.
A shocked nation starts to process the news as tributes from world leaders start to pour in. In remembrance of a beloved Queen whose unwavering duty and devotion to her country had seen her still at work up until her death, hundreds of mourners have already begun to gather and lay flowers outside Buckingham Palace.
Prince Charles, the heir to the throne and her oldest son, is anticipated to make a statement very soon.
Ten days of national mourning will begin today, and 30 days will be observed by the royal households.
The Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen’s adored late husband, died in April 2021 at the age of 99. The sad news comes 517 days later. Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward were among the four children the couple had together during their more than 73 years of marriage.
Eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren are also left behind by Her Majesty.
