Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8 at Balmoral Castle in the United Kingdom with her family by her side. She was 96-years-old and took to the throne over 70 years ago. Equally, she was the longest-reigning monarch in the United Kingdom.
News broke on September 8 that the monarch was under medical supervision at the castle near Aberdeen in Scotland and her family members, including Prince Charles – who is next in line to the throne – and her other three children, had travelled to be with her. Meanwhile, Prince William and Prince Harry are also understood to have travelled up to Balmoral Castle after them.
A statement read: “Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.” This came after the Queen pulled out of a meeting with her Privy Council on Wednesday (September 7) at the advice of her doctor.
The Queen took to the throne, succeeding her father King George IV, on February 6, 1952. She is the longest reigning monarch, has lived through WWII, reigned during the terms of 15 Prime Ministers, and was on the throne during the Covid-19 pandemic, which began in March 2020. Queen Elizabeth II came down with the virus in February this year, but recovered and resumed her duties after this, including being on hand to open the brand-new Elizabeth line in Paddington, London.
Earlier this year, the United Kingdom celebrated her Platinum Jubilee marking 70 years on the throne with an extended bank holiday weekend at the start of June.
Balmoral Castle has been a royal residence for over 150 years, having first been used as a holiday home by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. A crowd of ‘well-wishers’ gathered outside the cordonered-off sections of the grounds after the news broke to show support for the monarch.
Queen Elizabeth II, April 21, 1926 – September 8, 2022.
Words by Jack Sadler.