Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022

At 6.30pm on Thursday 8th September, the public heard about the death of Queen Elizabeth II, aged 96. She died at her Scottish castle, Balmoral.

Earlier that afternoon, her bad health was in the news. The Queen's family flew to Scotland to be by her side. Crowds of people started to come together.

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."

As it became dark, people arrived at Buckingham Palace. People began leaving flowers as a sign of their respect. Only a few months ago, Elizabeth II celebrated 70 years as Queen.

The day afterwards, guns were fired across the country. The Queen's eldest son Charles travelled down to London with Camilla, his wife. On the death of Queen Elizabeth, Charles became king and he made a public broadcast on television.

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."

He was named King Charles III on Saturday. But after 70 years of the Queen, people will need time to become used to it.

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."

He will be celebrated as king in 2023. But it's the Queen who's now in people's hearts. Flags will be lowered until her funeral on 19th September.

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