Queen Elizabeth II, The Longest Ruling Monarch of UK, Dies at Age 96

Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) Dies at Age of 96

As the world recalls and commemorates Queen Elizabeth II, news of her death reverberates throughout the world. Britain's Queen Elizabeth died at the age of 96, ending her 70-year reign as the country's longest-ruling queen. She was a reliable figure. Over many decades, amid times of joy and turmoil; a monarch, a leader, a diplomat, a head of state, but also a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, dedicated to duty and service.

Just last week, the Queen personally welcomed Britain's new Prime Minister to Balmoral. The royal family announced the Queen's death quietly at Balmoral Castle, where she was spending the summer. Earlier, family members arrived at Balmoral after physicians expressed worry over her majesty's health in a rare public declaration. Charles and Camilla have already arrived in Scotland, followed by Prince William and uncles Andrew and Edward, who flew up from London. Prince Harry landed in Scotland as well. Crowds assemble at London's Buckingham Palace for a rainy vigil. A note was put on the royal gate informing everyone that the Queen had died.

Just 48 hours before, she had fulfilled her final official job by welcoming Britain's new Prime Minister Liz Truss. The United Kingdom and the rest of the world are grieving the death of one of our generation's most recognized and respected women. Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully today at the age of 96. She was thought to be at ease because she was surrounded by family and her adored. The palace published a statement from the new king, now his majesty Charles III, saying, "the loss of my beloved mother, her majesty the Queen, is a period of the greatest grief for me and all members of my family, we grieve sincerely the departure of a treasured sovereign and a much-loved mother." I know her loss will be felt deeply throughout the country, the kingdoms, and the Commonwealth, as well as by many individuals around the world. During this time of loss and transition, my family and I will be comforted and strengthened by our awareness of the Queen's widespread esteem and devotion."

Crowds of somber people gather at Buckingham Palace, placing flowers at the gates. The notice was posted, the flag was lowered to half-staff, and rainbows extended across the sky as Britain halted. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died, according to Buckingham Palace. The news was broadcast by British television anchors, with pilots even warning passengers in flight.

After that unusual lengthy statement from the palace this morning, the Queen's physicians were worried for her majesty's health and urged her to remain under medical observation. Charles arrived first by helicopter, followed by other members of the royal family landing at a foggy Aberdeen airport in Scotland, Prince William looking somber as he walked onto the runway driving Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and his wife Sophie, a grandchild, sons, and daughter-in-law.

Their caravan appeared to rush through the estate gates in anguish. Prince Harry flew to Balmoral by himself, arriving after the formal announcement. Both William and Harry came without their wives, and shock waves echoed across the realm. She was someone we'd never see again. Many people will be sorrowful, but they will also be commemorating the life of a public worker.

Just 48 hours ago, the Queen invited Great Britain's new Prime Minister Liz Truss to form a government, despite the decline in her health, still performing her constitutional responsibility and with that iconic twinkle in her eye. Doctors were concerned about her condition immediately after that event. The Queen celebrated her 70th year on the throne this summer, and her son Charles, now King, extended appreciation to his mother on behalf of the British people.

The palace has confirmed that King Charles III will visit London to address the country. This will be his first address since his mother died. After 10 days of national mourning, her funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey, and those days of national mourning will be a chance for the British public, many of whom have already gathered here at Balmoral and across the UK today, to pay their respects and honor Queen Elizabeth's legacy.

Stay tuned for more updates.