Today, Britain is accepting the passing of a monarch whose extraordinary reign spanned years and immeasurable changes. The nation woke up on September 9 to the first day of a new era: the reign of King Charles III.
Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully on September 8 at her Highland estate Balmoral at the age of 96. Earlier this year, she celebrated her platinum jubilee and had been on official duty for two days before her death: she met Liz Truss – who became her reigning No. 1 15 as Prime Minister – at Balmoral on 6 September, invited her to form a new government.
Crowds had already gathered at the gates of Buckingham Palace when a brief official statement confirmed the news. As the sky opened, mourners climbed the Victoria Memorial for a better view of the palace gates, black taxis lined the shopping centre as signs of respect, and piles of flowers and tributes were installed in the darkness.
Tributes have also been made at the gates of Windsor Castle across the UK; at Sandring, the Queen’s Norfolk estate Urm; outside Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland; in Balmoral, the much-loved Highland home where she spent her final days.
Below is the scene of the news of the Queen’s death.
