PremiumQueen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years. Her family gathered at her Scottish estate after concerns grew about her health earlier on Thursday.
The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.
With her death, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms.
UK Prime Minister Liz Truss spoke to King Charles III after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, according to a Downing Street spokesperson.
Truss was informed of the Queen's death at 4.30 p.m. local time by Cabinet Secretary Simon Case.
Truss is expected to chair a meeting of ministers at 9 p.m. local time Thursday
Most of the government imagery on public property has represented UK's longest serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth and now with her passing all that would change. Queen Elizabeth was the head of Commonwealth, which included 54 countries spanning Africa, Asia, America, Europe and Pacific. After her death position of Head of the Commonwealth will be filled up by respective states. Read More
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch, died on Thursday at the age of 96. During her tenure of 70 years on the throne, she visited India thrice - 1961, 1983 and 1997. Of the three, the most crucial was the 1961's visit, which was 15 years after India's Independence. View Here
Britain's new monarch will be known as King Charles III, royal officials say. Clarence House confirmed on Thursday that Britain's new monarch will be known as King Charles III, following the death of Queen Elizabeth, PA Media reported on Thursday. Read More
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has arrived at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, according to the UK’s PA Media news agency.
He was seen being driven in a convoy of cars heading through the gates at Balmoral Castle.
Prince Charles will now be known as King Charles III. Thanks to the Royal Prerogative, royals can pick whatever name they like although there are some traditions to respect:
One of the first acts of the new monarch will be to swear loyalty to Parliament and to the Church of England. The council will also make a "Proclamation of Accession".
Queen Elizabeth II's body will be prepared to lie in state, which means to be presented for public viewing to allow people to pay their homage and respect.
"The Queen will lie in state at Westminster Hall with the funeral to follow at Westminster Abbey,"
During the lying-in-state period, the coffin rests on a raised platform in the middle of the Hall. Each corner of the platform is guarded around the clock by units from the Sovereign's Bodyguard, Foot Guards or the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
Then the Queen will be laid to rest in St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, where her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother are buried.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said in a statement on Twitter that the lighting on the Eiffel Tower would be turned off on Thursday night in honour of Queen Elizabeth.
Hidalgo said she had ensured British Ambassador Menna Rawlings of the deep sympathy and support of Paris for the people of the United Kingdom.
"Tonight, the Eiffel Tower lights will be switched off in hommage to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," Hidalgo said.
President Biden remembered the Queen by offering this anecdote:
“We first met the Queen in 1982, traveling to the UK as part of a Senate delegation.
“And we were honored that she extended her hospitality to us in June 2021 during our first overseas trip as President and First Lady, where she charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness, and generously shared with us her wisdom.
“All told, she met 14 American presidents. She helped Americans commemorate both the anniversary of the founding of Jamestown and the bicentennial of our independence.
“And she stood in solidarity with the United States during our darkest days after 9/11, when she poignantly reminded us that “Grief is the price we pay for love."
“In the years ahead, we look forward to continuing a close friendship with The King and The Queen Consort."
Clarence House has confirmed that Charles will be known by the regnal name of King Charles III. He is expected to make an address tomorrow,
UK Prime Minister, Liz Truss said the Queen’s death is a “huge shock to the nation and the world".
The PM said she was “the rock on which modern Britain was built and our country has flourished under her reign".
French president, Emmanuel Macron, said “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years."
Belgian prime minister, Alexander De Croo, has paid the following tribute: “Belgium sends its condolences to the British Royal Family and to the British people.
Former US President, Bill Clinton, said, “My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and all the people Her Majesty inspired throughout her lifetime of service."
King Charles has made a statement about the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth.
He said: “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 had memorable meetings with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during my UK visits in 2015 and 2018. I will never forget her warmth and kindness. During one of the meetings she showed me the handkerchief Mahatma Gandhi gifted her on her wedding. I will always cherish that gesture.’ he further tweeted, “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered as a stalwart of our times. She provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people. She personified dignity and decency in public life. Pained by her demise. My thoughts are with her family and people of UK in this sad hour."
The Queen's eldest son, Prince Charles, will now become King, while his eldest son, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, assumes the position of heir to the throne. Charles immediately became King upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth.
The Royal family referred to Charles as King in announcing the death of Queen Elizabeth. The tweet referred to Camila as the Queen Consort.
As heir apparent since the age of three, he has been the longest serving heir to the throne in British history.
Upon becoming the sovereign, Charles has the option to take any name he chooses for his reign as King. For example, King George VI’s real name was actually Albert. Two previous monarchs have been called Charles.
The traditional changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace in the UK has been cancelled amid reports of the deteriorating health of Queen Elizabeth II, media reports said on Thursday.
A sign saying "No changing of the guard ceremony today" was put up at the gates of the palace, American weekly online news magazine Newsweek reported.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
"The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
All the Queen's children travelled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen, after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision.
Her grandson, Prince William, is also there, with his brother, Prince Harry, on his way.
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