Earlier in the year, The Queen celebrated her Platinum Jubilee marking 70 years on the throne. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
The Royal Family has confirmed that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at her Balmoral residence Thursday afternoon.
It comes after Buckingham Palace released a statement yesterday morning detailing that doctors were concerned for her health.
She was placed under medical supervision at Balmoral where members of the Royal Family including King Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry gathered by her side.
Later that afternoon she passed away.
Queen Elizabeth was the longest reigning British monarch in history having been on the throne for 70 years and 214 days. She was also the second-longest reigning monarch in history behind Louis XIV who ruled for 72 years and 110 days.
Her eldest child, soon to be crowned King Charles III issues a statement on his mother’s death.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
It’s believed Her Majesty’s last duty was swearing in now UK Prime Minister Liz Truss on Tuesday September 6.
The UK PM said that Queen Elizabeth “was the rock on which modern Britain was built”.
“Our country has grown and flourished under her reign. In the difficult days ahead, we will come together with out friends across the United Kingdom and the world to celebrate her extraordinary lifetime of service.
“It is a day of great loss, but Queen Elizabeth II leaves a great legacy. God save the King.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered his condolences saying that “Australian hearts go out to the people of the United Kingdom who mourn today”.
“There is comfort to be found in Her Majesty’s own words: Grief is the price we pay for love.”
US President Joe Biden called Her Majesty “more than a monarch” and said, “she defined an era”.
Following Her Majesty’s death, Operation London Bridge has been initiated and will carry out plans for the aftermath, her state funeral and King Charles III accession to the throne.
The union flag is flying at half-mast at Buckingham Palace and will do so at every royal residence, government building and military base throughout the UK.
The Royal Family has now entered their mourning period.
