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Death of Queen touches millions - 14th September 2022

At 6.30pm, on Thursday 8th September, news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II was broadcast. The monarch, who was 96, died peacefully at her Scottish castle and home, Balmoral.

As reports of the Queen’s poor condition spread during the afternoon, close family members had travelled urgently to Balmoral to be at her bedside. At the same time, people began waiting anxiously at various royal palaces across the country.

Rachael Carter-Eagleton: "I had some messages all day, like, and everyone was saying it’s going to happen in the news and everything. And I just felt compelled. I needed to get to Buckingham Palace."

Even as darkness fell, crowds were drawn to the palace gates, reflecting their enormous admiration. Only three months ago, the Queen had taken part in events to celebrate 70 years on the throne.

24 hours later, ceremonial gunshots were fired across Britain in the Queen’s honour and to show their depth of feeling, members of the public presented flowers at the royal palaces.

Now replacing Queen Elizabeth on the throne is her eldest son, Charles, who spoke on national television on his return to London with Camilla, his wife.

King Charles: "I know that her death brings great sadness to so many of us. She combined these qualities with warmth, humour, and an unerring ability always to see the best in people."

King Charles III was welcomed as the new monarch on Saturday, but after 70 years of being led by the Queen, this massive adjustment may not come easily.

Marie: "You know, it– it’s– it really feels quite difficult to say King Charles and not be celebrating our Queen. And I think, as I said, he’s got really big boots to fill. But I think he’s had such an amazing role model. And he’s been able to watch her for a very long time doing a brilliant job. So I think he’s had the best role model to follow."

Although the King’s formal coronation ceremony will be held next year, it’s the Queen who now occupies people’s hearts and minds.

Flags will fly at half-mast until after her state funeral, on the 19th September.