Queen Elizabeth II Dies at 96, Buckingham Palace Announces

Britannica

Queen Elizabeth II on her coronation day, June 2, 1953.

Queen Elizabeth II has passed away at the age of 96, Buckingham Palace confirmed on September 8th.

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral (Scotland) this afternoon,” announced the official Royal Family account on Instagram. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

All of her children and many more members of her family, including grandchildren Prince William and Harry, traveled to Balmoral to be with her in the final hours of her life.

Queen Elizabeth II ruled the Commonwealth, all the countries that still recognize the royal throne as the Head of State, for 70 years. Her Platinum Jubilee celebration was held earlier this year.

She met fifteen prime ministers, starting with Winston Churchill and ending with Liss Trust, who was just appointed by the Queen earlier in the week.

The Union flag on top of the palace was lowered at 6:30 pm BST.

The UK will now enter a 12-day mourning period. Her funeral is expected to happen on the ninth day following her death, September 17th.

Prince Charles, her oldest son, is now King. His coronation won’t be held for another few months.