A portrait taken of The Queen shows her elegance later in life. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Olivia Heilemann
News Editor
After reports of Queen Elizabeth II receiving close medical attention, it was announced that she had peacefully passed the afternoon of Thursday, Sept. 8 at the Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
In 1952, the Queen took the throne at age 25, making her reign longer than any other monarch before her. At her death at age 96, the Queen had served for 70 years.
The Queen’s eldest son, formerly Prince Charles III, automatically became King, as he was the next heir to the throne. The King recently gave a statement following the death of his mother.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother,” the King states. “I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”
The beginning of the funeral service was held at Westminster Abbey in London, where the Queen was crowned back in 1953. Her coffin was then led through over a mile-long funeral procession through Central London. The Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom all joined to grieve the passing of Her Majesty. There was a moment of silence for two minutes throughout the United Kingdom.
Other political figures also joined, including leaders from Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, Bhutan, and the United States.
The burial and committal service was held at St. George’s Chapel on Monday afternoon, where she was laid to rest beside her father, mother, sister and husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh who passed away in April 2021.
Other family members also spoke out about the loss of the Queen including the Prince of Wales, the grandson of the Queen and the son of King Charles III. Prince William of Wales is next in line for the throne, as his father has become king.
“I thank her for the kindness she showed my family and me,” said Prince William of Wales on Sept. 10. “And I thank her on behalf of my generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all.”
The Royal Family was quick to start Operation ‘London Bridge is down,’ the plan that was organized long before the death of the Queen to keep the death private and controlled before the news hit the press. This codename idea was used on many Monarchs before Queen Elizabeth II. Other world leaders and specific press will be notified first, and the news would be posted on The Royal Family’s website, along with a notice posted on the gates of Buckingham Palace.
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” was written on the notice. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
His Majesty King Charles III addressed the Nation and the Commonwealth on Sept. 9, vowing to carry on with the expectations set by his mother as he takes on a much bigger title. He mentioned that, though he may not have the time to prioritize the charities and issues he is passionate about, he knows that with the help of his family and associates, those important tasks will be done with just as much devotion.
“Queen Elizabeth’s was a life well lived;” His Majesty says, “a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.”
