Tributes from world leaders and celebrities around the world poured in for Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-reigning monarch, as she died aged 96 on Thursday.
He died peacefully at Balmoral Castle, his estate in the Scottish Highlands in the afternoon marking the end of an era in the UK. His death, announced by Buckingham Palace, received glowing tributes from world leaders, who described him in glowing terms.
The crown passes directly to his son and heir Charles, who will be known as King Charles III. Two officers posted the official announcement of the Queen’s death on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
The statement read: “A woman passed away peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and Queen Consort will be at Balmoral tonight and return to London tomorrow.”
Concerns about his health were raised on Wednesday when Buckingham Palace announced it had postponed a meeting of its Privy Council after doctors advised him to rest.
On Thursday, the Palace revealed that he was under medical care, adding that he was “comfortable” at Balmoral. Shortly after the news of his death, mourners gathered at Buckingham Palace to pay their respects.
Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, she became Queen in February 1952 after the death of her father, King George VI, and reigned for 70 years. The Queen’s death has been rife around the world, with reactions from world leaders and ordinary people alike as the flag at Windsor Castle, the Queen’s beloved home is lowered.
Castle officials covered visitors’ signs with black paper as crowds gathered and laid flowers and candles. The Queen’s daughters – Charles, Princess Anne, 72, Prince Andrew, 62, and Prince Edward, 58, have fled to the Scottish Highland retreat, Balmoral. They were joined by Charles’ sons, Prince William, and his brother Prince Harry. The new king said that his mother’s death was a time of “great sadness for me and my whole family”.
