Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in the history of Great Britain, died today -- Thursday, September 8, 2022 -- at Balmoral Castle.
Her closest family members, including her sons Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and her grandson Prince William, were summoned to the castle this morning, after doctors expressed concern that Elizabeth's health was declining. Following her death, the Palace released the following statement: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
Her son, Charles, released the following: "The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world. During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held."
The Queen celebrated her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year. Her late husband of 73 years, Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, died at the age of 99 in April 2021.
In London, mourners have already begun to leave flowers and post signs on the fence surrounding Buckingham Palace in honor of Her Majesty, who devoted her entire adult life to her country, continuing her duties right up until her death. ~Alexandra Heilbron
R.I.P. Q.E. II Classy Lady from day one to the end.
She will be greatly missed. I am going over to Government House to sign the Book of Condolence. I hope many others will do the same. R.I.P. Your Majesty.
Somewhere, Pahpshmir is smiling.