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Queen Elizabeth II has Died: UK Enters Mourning Period
The UK’s longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, has died at the age of 96
On the afternoon of September 8th, Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully at her Scottish estate, Balmoral Castle.
The Queen had served as reigning monarch for 70 years and celebrated her platinum jubilee earlier this year. She became queen on February 6th 1952, at just 25 years old, following her father’s premature death at the age of 56.
The Queen’s firstborn, Charles, will now take his position as King Charles III. Speaking of his mother’s passing, the King 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.” He continued, “During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”
Queen Elizabeth II’s last public photo © Jane Barlow
A period of national mourning has now begun and is expected to last until seven days after The Queen’s funeral, which is presumed to take place 10 days after her death. However, the official funeral date is yet to be announced.
While the country mourns, major sporting and entertainment events and planned rail strike action are to be postponed. Flags will be flown at half-mast at Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and other notable buildings across the country. The palace has also confirmed that flags will remain at half-mast until 8am on the day after mourning has ended.
On the day following Her Majesty’s death (September 9th 2022), a series of ceremonial events will formally mark the accession of the new King. King Charles III will also read an oath in which he promises to “assume the duties and responsibilities of sovereignty.”
Prince William will now move up the royal line of succession and becomes the Duke of Cornwall, and his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cornwall.
