Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96 on Tuesday, September 8, 2022. Her death was announced by her son Prince Charles in a statement released by Buckingham Palace.
“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the statement said. “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”
Charles, the heir to the throne, is now the King of England. Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in British history, having ruled for more than 70 years. She was also the world’s oldest reigning monarch at the time of her death.
Elizabeth and Philip were married for 73 years, making them the longest-married royal couple in British history. They had four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward.
The Queen’s death comes just two months after Prince Philip’s death in April 2021. The Duke of Edinburgh died at the age of 99.According to CNN, Buckingham Palace said Queen Elizabeth “passed away peacefully” and that further announcements would be made “in due course.”
“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning her loss,” the statement said.
Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, to Prince Albert, Duke of York (later George VI), and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. She became Queen at the age of 25 upon the death of her father in 1952.
During her long reign, she has seen 12 Prime Ministers come and go, including Winston Churchill, Harold Wilson, Margaret Thatcher, and Theresa May. Queen Elizabeth II is also the longest-serving monarch in British history, having surpassed Queen Victoria’s 63-year reign in 2015.
She has also seen great changes in her country and the world during her lifetime. When she became Queen, Britain was still recovering from the devastation of World War II. Since then, she has seen her country through some of its darkest hours, including the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Queen Elizabeth II was also a key figure in the dissolution of the British Empire and the transition to the Commonwealth of Nations. She was widely respected for her dedication to duty and service to her country.
The Queen’s death will plunge Britain into a period of mourning and national mourning. Flags will be flown at half-mast on government buildings and royal residences across the country. A state funeral will be held for Queen Elizabeth II, although the details have not yet been announced.
Prince Charles is expected to give a televised address to the nation after his mother’s death is announced. Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral will be held at a later date.
