Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022

The demise of Queen Elizabeth II was announced at 6.30 pm on Thursday 8th September. The 96-year old sovereign passed away peacefully at her beloved Scottish castle in Balmoral.

News of the Queen's rapidly declining health had circulated throughout the afternoon and as members of her immediate family flew to Scotland to join her in her final moments, so the British public held vigil at her various royal residences, countrywide.

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 dusk fell, the palace gates saw gatherings of people wishing to pay their last respects to a Queen that just three months previously had participated in Platinum Jubilee celebrations, marking 70 years of her reign.

The following day, gun salutes boomed across the country to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II, while the public - many visibly grief-stricken - laid floral tributes to their esteemed monarch.

Charles, Queen Elizabeth's eldest son, automatically ascended to the throne on her passing. Returning to London with Camilla, the Queen Consort the ensuing day, he addressed the nation.

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 officially proclaimed King Charles III on Saturday, yet after 70 years of a Queen the nation's having to adjust to the idea of a King at the helm.

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."

While the King's coronation is set to go ahead next year, currently uppermost in people's minds is their treasured, steadfast Queen.

Flags are to fly at half-mast until her funeral, on the 19th September.

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