Queen Elizabeth II of England dies | Summary news, 8 September
Headlines
- Charles III proclaimed King in ceremony at St James' Palace Saturday
- Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II set for Monday, 19 September
- King Charles III delivered first address to the nation on Friday
- Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on Thursday, aged 96
- UK begins a period of royal mourning, with tributes in Parliament to the Queen
- Charles' wife, Camilla, becomes Queen Consort
- Queen's body will be taken to London to lie in state at Westminster Hall
- Royal officials initiate 'Operation London Bridge' procedure
- Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 70-year Platinum Jubilee this year
Daniel Craig says 'very lucky' to work with Queen Elizabeth
At the "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" world premiere, Daniel Craig said he was "very lucky" to have worked with Queen Elizabeth, who died on Thursday.
"I was just very lucky to be part of something, the Olympics, and to get to work with her on something that I think a lot of people enjoyed and liked and laughed at," Craig said on the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Writer-director Rian Johnson thanked a different majesty, the "queen of murder mysteries Agatha Christie," of whom he said every part of the series drew inspiration.
Biden to attend Queen's funeral
Queen Elizabeth's funeral will take place at London's Westminster Abbey and Sept. 19 will be a public holiday in Britain, officials announced. U.S. President Joe Biden said he would be there, although full details of the event and the attendees have not yet been released.
Before that, her coffin will be flown to London and there will be a sombre procession when it is later moved from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall where it will lie in state for four days.
Queen's coffin begins journey in the Scottish Highlands to Edinburgh
Queen Elizabeth's coffin began a six-hour journey from her home in the Scottish Highlands to Edinburgh on Sunday, as crowds lined the roads to pay tribute to the monarch in the first of a series of solemn events leading up to her funeral on 19 September.
Prince William honoured to be made Prince of Wales
Prince William said he was honoured to be made the new Prince of Wales when he spoke with Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford on Sunday, Kensington Palace said in a statement.
William was given the title, previously held by his father for more than 50 years, following the death of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth last week.
"The Prince acknowledged his and the Princess’s deep affection for Wales, having made their first family home in Anglesey including during the earliest months of Prince George’s life," the statement said.
"The Prince and Princess will spend the months and years ahead deepening their relationship with communities across Wales. They want to do their part to support the aspirations of the Welsh people and to shine a spotlight on both the challenges and opportunities in front of them."
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As per tradition, the funeral of the Queen was always scheduled to take place around 10 days of her passing, and here we provide more information on what to expect.
The Queen's funeral will take place on Monday, 19 September
Confirmation from the Palace that the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II will be held on Monday, 19 September. The Queen was in Scotland when she died, meaning a slightly more convoluted process than would otherwise be the case.
She will lie in state in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh over the weekend, before being carried by train down to London. King Charles has already announced that the day of the Queen's funeral will be a bank holiday, meaning that the majority of British workers will get the day of. The funeral will be followed by a seven-day period of royal mourning.
Royal family in attendance at Balmoral
Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands was a favoured holiday home of the Queen throughout her life and it was where she was staying when she passed away earlier this week. Close family members travelled up to the estate on Thursday to be at her bedside, and many have since left.
However there are some family members still at Balmoral and a group took a moment to take in the tributes left to the late Queen by well-wishers.
'God Save The King' heard at sports events
For the first time in 70 years, the words of the United Kingdom's national anthem have been changed to 'God Save The King', after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Premier Leage decided to cancel all soccer matches this weekend as a mark of respects but some sports decided to continue to honour the Queen's legacy and her love of sports. Today's Engalnd v South Africa cricket match began with a stirring rendition of 'God Save The King'.
Proclamation of King Charles III
Two days after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the accession of King Charles III has been confirmed with the proclamation process from London. Earlier today the Accession Council met to formally sign the paperwork pertaining to Charles' accession, which the new monarch duly signed himself. Shots were fired across the country to mark the occassion and a rendition of 'God Save The King' was heard.
The King ascended to the throne at the age of 73, making Charles III the oldest person to become monarch in the United Kingdom. He was born at Buckingham Palace on 14 November 1948, four years before his mother’s incredible reign began.
We take a look at the oldest and youngest monarchs in UK history...
Charles III, by the grace of god of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of his other realms and territory, King, head of the commonwealth, defender of the faith, to whom we do acknowledge all faith and obedience with humble affection, beseeching God by whom kings and queens do reign to bless his majesty with long and happy years to reign over us.”
King Charles arrives for proclamation ceremony
After the Accession Council confirmed his status a few moments ago, King Charles III has arrived. He gave a short statements before signing the papers previously approved by the council. The King is signing the papers as 'Charles R', meaning Charles Rex (Latin for 'King').
Astonishing fact about the Accession process
The late Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1952 at the age of just 25. She reigned for 70 years, becoming the first UK monarch to reach the Platinum Jubilee, until her death earlier this week.
So long was her reign that there is not a single person alive who was an in-person witness at her accession back in 1952. And as the last meeting of the Accession Council was not filmed, no one alive today had witnessed the event before. Truly historic stuff.
LIVE: Footage from the proclamation of King Charles III
The Accession Council has met in London to formally confirm that Charles III, son of Queen Elizabeth II, has become the next monarch of the United Kingdom and the monarch. The new King have arrived to approve proceedings and sign the proclamation.
What wil happen at King Charles' proclamation?
Royal Editor Chris Ship gives his thoughts ahead of the procamation of King Charles III. Technically, the Queen's son became King as soon as she died on Thursday, but today's meeting of the Accession Council formalises that process. King Charles III will enter shortly...
What did King Charles say in his first national address?
On Friday evening King Charles III gave his first public address as UK monarch, releasing a pre-recorded message from Buckingham Palace. The royal ascended to the throne on Thursday after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away at the age of 96.
He paid tribute to her enormous impact on people around the world:
"Alongside the personal grief that all my family are feeling, we also share with so many of you, in the United Kingdom, in all the countries where the Queen was head of state, in the Commonwealth and across the world, a deep sense of gratitude for the more than 70 years in which my mother, as Queen, served the people of so many nations."
Confirmation of the King's proclamation in 45 minutes
The new King, Charles III, will be proclaimed at a meeting of the Accession Council lin under an hour.
The Accession Council is a group of Privy Counsellors, Great Officers of State, the Lord Mayor of London, Realm High Commissioners and senior civil servants and only convenes upon the death of the monarch. The last time this happened was in 1952, after the death of Queen Elizabeth's father, King George VI.
For the first time the Accession Council process will be available to view live, and we will have live footage of the King's proclamation right here.
"Football authorities have got it wrong"
In an opinion piece in The Athletic, the journalist Oliver Kay has discussed the decision to postpone soccer matches across the UK this weekend.
Quoting a Football Supporters Federation statement that has described the move as "an opportunity missed for football to pay its own special tributes”, Kay agrees that games should have gone ahead.
"It is a curious situation and, while there will be a range of opinions on the matter, a personal view is that the football authorities have got it wrong," he writes.
"Not because it adds to the growing problem of fixture congestion at the highest level but simply because if a national mood can be discerned right now, the 'stop all the clocks' approach seems at odds with it."
A woman views the flowers laid outside Buckingham Palace following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
(Photo: REUTERS/Marko Djurica)
Ceremony to proclaim accession of King Charles to be held in Ottawa on Saturday
A ceremony to proclaim the accession of Britain's King Charles will take place on Saturday in Ottawa, the office of Canada's governor general said on Friday. The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. EDT (1400 GMT) at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the British-appointed governor-general, who acts on behalf of the monarch.
Although Canada ceased being a colony of Britain in 1867, it remained in the British Empire until 1982, and is still a member of the Commonwealth of former empire countries that have the British monarch as head of state.
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Camilla is Queen consort of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms but why can’t she ever be given the title Queen?
Netflix series 'The Crown' briefly pauses production
Netflix's Emmy-winning drama The Crown paused filming of its sixth and final season on Friday following the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, a central figure on the show. The streaming service said production was suspended 'as a mark or respect' for the monarch, who died Thursday aged 96 after 70 years on the throne.
Filming also will be stopped on the day of the queen's funeral, Netflix said. Claire Foy won two Emmys and a Golden Globe for playing Queen Elizabeth as a young woman who suddenly became queen at age 25. Olivia Colman took on the role in the third and fourth seasons, and Imelda Staunton will play Elizabeth in the fifth installment, which is set to debut on Netflix in November. The coming season is expected to cover events in the early and mid-1990s including the divorce of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
King Charles tells Prime Minister Liz Truss was 'dreading' death of Queen
King Charles III told Liz Truss the death of the Queen was a moment he had "been dreading", as he held his first audience with the prime minister at Buckingham Palace.
Discussions between the monarch and PM are traditionally private, but cameras caught the opening moments of their Friday afternoon meeting.
"The moment I've been dreading, as I know a lot of people have," King Charles told Ms Truss of his mother's death.
"We mustn't take up too much of your time," he remarked to the PM, who only took on her job on Tuesday.
"It has been so touching this afternoon when we arrived, all those people who had come to give their condolences … and flowers," he added.
God Save The King sung at end of service for Queen
The first official rendition of "God Save The King" has been sung at the end of a memorial service for the Queen at St Paul's Cathedral.
The lyrics to the national anthem have changed from "Queen" to "King" and "her victorious" to "him victorious" to mark King Charles III taking over as the new monarch.
It comes after crowds spontaneously sang the version of the song outside Buckingham Palace on Friday as the King arrived with the Queen Consort Camilla.
King Charles III paid a touching tribute to his late mother as he addressed the nation for the first time in a televised broadcast on Friday evening.
Kate Middleton and Prince William met while attending university together where the friendship the struck up blossomed into a fairytale romance and wedding at Westminster Abbey in April 2011. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and now Cornwall too, are one of the most beloved royal couples ever.
Live Coverage: King Charles addresses the nation
Follow the latest as King Charles III addresses the nation after Queen Elizabeth's death
King Charles set to address his people Friday evening
For seventy years, King Charles III has been the presumptive heir. He was only three years old when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was crowned. After her passing on Thursday he assumed the responsiblity of being the head of the British royal family.
He is set to address the nation at 6pm GMT/12pm ET.
King Charles III has ascended to the throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, making him the latest member of the Windsor family to rule. He becomes the fifth monarch in the line of the House of Windsor, the reigning royal house of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth countries.
Elizabeth was by far the longest-serving head of the House of Windsor and the longest-serving monarch in British history. She inherited the sovereignty from her father, George VI, in 1952.
We take a look back at the origins of the House of Windsor and the reasons for its WWI name change...
Live footage from outside Buckingham Palace
Royal onlookers are waiting with baited breath for the first public address from the new monarch, King Charles III. He and wife Camilla, now Queen Consort, arrived at Buckingham Palace to crowds of well-wishers.
The King is expected to give the first speech of his reign in the next couple of hours, likely a pre-recorded address.
King Charles returns to London ahead of inaugural speech
After decades as next-in-line, Charles finally ascended to the throne yesterday at the age of 73. He was with his mother, Queen Elizabeth, in Balmoral yesterday but this morning travelled to Buckingham Palace in preparation for his inaugural address later today.
At 6pm local time (1pm ET) King Charles III is expected to give his first address to the nation as monarch. The 73-year-old’s message will be the first of its kind since Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1952.
It will be broadcast by the UK’s publically-owned BBC new channel. It will be carried by broadcasters around the world and will be available to stream live on the Royal Family’s Twitter and YouTube channels.
We will be covering the speech right here with live footage from Buckingham Palace.
King Charles takes in the scene at Buckingham Palace
After leaving Balmoral Castle this morning, King Charles III headed straight to Buckingham Palace to meet with well-wishers at the gates. He and wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, spent a few moments looking at the display of tributes left to honour his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
King Charles III has just returned to Buckingham Palace for the first time since he ascended to the throne, replacing his mother Elizabeth. He becomes the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, but what does that title actually mean?
England, Great Britain and United Kingdom are sometime used interchangably, but they each refer to a specific geographic area.
King Charles arrives at Buckingham Palace
The new monarch, King Charles III, has arrived at Buckingham Palace to begin his official royal work. Today he is expected to hold a number of meetings and will record an address to the nation.
But first he takes the time to greet members of the public who have gathered in central London to pay their respects to the late Queen and to welcome King Charles to the seat of power. Shouts of 'God save the King' could be heard in the background as the 73-year-old received a warm welcome.
King Charles' proclaimation to take place on Saturday
The rules of the UK's regal ascension dictate that as soon as one monarch dies, the next-in-line automatically becomes the new king or queen. After Queen Elizabeth II took her last breath on Thursday, her son Charles officially became King of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
However, as is often the case in the British system, there is a great deal of ceremony to go alongside his ascension. The new King will undergo a proclaimation on Saturday morning, during which members of the Ascension Council will confirm his position as the head of state.
Throughout her reign Queen Elizabeth II remained a keen supporter of a number oh hobbies and pasttimes that benefited greatly from her patronage. One of the most famous was her love of horse-racing, in which she kept a keen interest.
She owned several race horses across her life and was a regular attendee of the Royal Ascott race. We take a look at the late Queen's sporting passion...
The British monarchy, a thousand-year-old institution, is governed by a series of traditions and customs that can seem fairly impenetrable to the outside observer. After the death of his mother, Elizabeth II, on Thursday, her son Charles automatically ascended to the throne.
His previous title was the Prince of Wales and his wife, Camilla, was known as the Duchess of Cornwall. So what do these royal titles actually mean, and who will step into the role of Prince of Wales now left by Charles?
King Charles arrives at airport for return to London
After spending last night at Balmoral Castle, King Charles III has arrived at nearby Aberdeen airport to make the trip down to London to begin his royal duties. The 73-year-old was filmed boardina private plane to take him back the the English capital, where he will meet with Prime Minister Liz Truss and record the first public address of his reign.
Prince Harry touches down at Heathrow airport
In the last few minutes Prince Harry, King Charles' second-eldest son, has landed at London's Heathrow airport. Now fifth-in-line to the throne, Harry left the royal family's Balmoral Castle estate this morning after flying to Scotland to be at the Queen's side before she died.
He was not accompanied on the trip by wife Meghan. His elder brother William, now first-in-line, also travelled on his own, without wife Kate.
Who is next in line to the throne?
This graphic from the New York Times outlines the path of royal succession to King Charles III and beyond. The United Kingdom employs a system of hereditary succession, by which the youngest child of the previous monarch becomes king or queen.
Charles had the longest wait of any royal-in-waiting, due to Queen Elizabeth II's astonishing seven decades on the throne.
Premier League postpones fixtures
The Premier League, England's top football division and one of the most watched sporting competitions on the planet, has announced that all fixtures scheduled for this weekend will be postponed. Organisers described it as a "mark of respect" to pay tribute to the "extraordinary life and contribution to the nation" of Queen Elizabeth.
King Charles announces a period of royal mourning
In a statement released in the past few minutes, King Charles III announced a period of royal mourning. It will last for seven days after the Queen is laid to rest.
“Following the death of Her Majesty the Queen, it is His Majesty the King’s wish that a period of royal mourning be observed from now until seven days after the Queen’s funeral. The date of the funeral will be confirmed in due course.
“Royal mourning will be observed by members of the royal family, royal household staff and representatives of the royal household on official duties, together with troops committed to ceremonial duties.
“Flags at royal residences were half masted yesterday, Thursday 8th September, and will remain half-masted until 0800hrs on the morning after the final day of royal mourning.”
Today marks the first full day of the reign of King Charles III. He spent Thurday night at the Royal Family's Balmoral residence, where His mother Elizabeth II died peacefully yesterday, but he will travel down to London today to begin his official business.
He will meet with palace officials, the new Prime Minister and other official engagement, but his first address to the nation will likely be the most important of his duties for the day. Here's what we know so far about King Charles II first speech to the nation...
Young Queen Elizabeth unveils statue
Since news of her passing was announced on Thursday, tributes have poured in from around the world. All living US Presidents have issued statements paying respect to the UK's longest-serving monarch.
There has also been the desire to look back at some fond memories of the Queen's astonishing 70-year reign, the start of which few living Britons can remember. This footage, shared by ITN Archive, shows the young Queen unveiling a statue of her late father, King George VI, whose untimely death handed Elizabeth the throne aged just 25.
When will King Charles III's first speech be held?
The United Kingdom's new monarch, King Charles III, will give a televised address on Friday to a nation in mourning. Yesterday Queen Elizabeth II, Charles' mother and the country's longest-serving monarch, passed away at the age of 96.
Charles rushed to be with the Queen at her Balmoral Castle residence in Scotland yesterday, and spent the night at the family estate. He is now due to travel back to London with his wife Camilla, now Queen Consort, to take up his official role as the head of state. This will involve a meeting with Prime Minister Liz Truss, who also came into the role in the past few days, before giving a televised speech.
Reports suggest that the speech will take place at 6pm local time (1pm ET), 24 hours after the Queen's death was announced.
How was the Royal death announced in the UK?
There had been years of planning and preparation designed to inform the nation in the event of the Queen's passing. Known as 'Operation London Bridge', the protocols designed to announce the death of a royal saw the UK's publically-owned broadcaster, the BBC, don a black colour scheme and interrupt scheduled broadcasting to make the announcement.
Xi sends condolences to royal family
China's president, Xi Jinping, has sent a message of condolence to King Charles III, Chinese state media says.
Queen "curious" and "highly intelligent" - Hillary Clinton
Speaking in New York, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has reacted to the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
“She was a curious, highly intelligent person who really wanted to learn what you knew and how it would fit into the world,” Clinton said.
“One of the highlights of my career was being able to spend the night at Buckingham Palace during President Obama’s state visit, and talking with her about her gardens and walking through her gardens. It was an incredible experience.”
The line of succession to the British crown, with Prince William now the heir to the throne after Prince Charles became King Charles III.
Another great Queen Elizabeth story
Stories rom the life of Queen Elizabeth are being shared across social media and this has to be one of our favourites. You couldn't make it up.
During her years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II has met almost all of the US presidents since she was crowned in 1953.
Sporting events cancelled after Queen Elizabeth dies
The world of sport reacted to the death of Queen Elizabeth on Thursday with a raft of cancellations across cricket, golf and rugby, while others paid tribute by holding a minute's silence.
The second day of the third and deciding cricket test between England and South Africa at the Oval on Friday was suspended as a mark of respect, while matches in the domestic Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy were called off. At Wentworth, which is hosting the BMW PGA golf Championship, the flagship event of Europe's DP World Tour, play was suspended on Thursday, with organisers later cancelling Friday's second round.
"'She was truly an inspiration to people the world over ... no play will take place at the BMW PGA Championship on Friday and the golf course and practice facilities will be closed," the Tour said in a statement.
Peter Forster, captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, said the queen's 70-year patronage was a 'great honour'. 'Following her accession in 1952, Her late Majesty graciously accepted the Patronage of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews ... although not a golfer, Her late Majesty's 70-year patronage of the club was a great honour for its members,' said Forster.
Saracens' game against Northampton Saints in the Premiership Rugby Cup later on Thursday was postponed while Scottish Rugby has suspended all domestic matches this weekend. The British Horseracing Authority has also suspended all events for two days.
A minute's silence was observed before Europa League soccer games featuring British teams on Thursday, while the US Open tennis championships and motor racing's Formula One will also hold a period of silence. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe hailed the queen for her role in the successful staging of the 2012 London Olympics. "In the most demanding of roles, she has shown exceptional leadership, grace, wisdom and fortitude, touching us across the full fabric of society, including sport," said Coe. "I will never forget her total commitment to the success of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
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Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953 was a huge event, it was broadcast live on television by the BBC and drew a national audience of around 20 million. Charles’ will be just the third live broadcast of a coronation but will be beamed around the world. The ceremony will be attended by dignitaries and heads of state from all parts of the world but won;t take place immediately.
In France, tributes to Queen Elizabeth's grace and legacy
The Eiffel Tower's lights will go out early on Thursday night in tribute to Queen Elizabeth, with Parisians recalling a British monarch who anchored her country through upheaval with poise and grace for longer than many have lived.
The 1997 death in Paris of her former daughter-in-law Princess Diana prompted Elizabeth to endure some of the darkest days of her 70 years on the throne, when the palace seemed disconnected from the outpouring of public grief. At the Flame of Liberty monument above the underpass where Diana was killed, some passers-by paused to remember a national figurehead and Britain's longest-reigning monarch.
"She was the person who defined Britain," said optician Salima Gersa. Another woman, Valerie, a museum worker, said Elizabeth's death marked "the end of an era" - "She was an extraordinary woman who saw the world around her crumble."
While remaining a symbol of stability and continuity for Britons at a time of relative national economic decline, Elizabeth also tried to adapt the ancient institution of monarchy to the demands of the modern era. "(Her death marks) a tragic moment, but she had a great life and has a great legacy," said American tourist Greg Shanon.
Paddington pays tribute
Paddington Bear, who starred in a short comedy sequence alongside Queen Elizabeth II, as part of her platinum jubilee celebrations, sent his own personal message of consolences on Twitter. In typical humour, the Queen invited Paddington to the Palace for tea and marmalade sandwiches but was amused by his table manners...
Funeral arrangements are underway for Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on Thursday evening at her Balmoral residence. A state funeral will be held in London within the next two weeks.
Queen dies at 96
The Queen's death ends the longest reign in British history. She was also the world's oldest head of state.
"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," Buckingham Palace said.
Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in British history and the world's oldest head of state.
On her death, the Queen's eldest son and heir, Charles, the former Prince of Wales, has become King of the United Kingdom and 14 Commonwealth realms.
In a statement, he said: "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."
Queen Elizabeth II: The early years
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born on 21 April 1926. To her family and closest friends, she was known as Lilibet.
She was home-schooled and had a happy childhood growing up within a close-knit family with her younger sister Margaret.
But their lives changed dramatically in 1936 when their uncle Edward VIII abdicated and their father, the Duke of York, became King George VI. Elizabeth's apprenticeship for a life of public duties had begun.
In a documentary in 1992, the Queen said: "I think training is the answer to a great many things. You can do a lot if you are properly trained and I hope I have been."
During the Second World War, the princesses, like thousands of other children, were evacuated from London. At Windsor Castle Elizabeth would make her first radio broadcast.
At 18 she undertook national service, joining the Auxiliary Transport Corps, qualifying as a driver.
Her first overseas tour was to South Africa in 1947 with her parents.
During that tour she celebrated her 21st birthday in Cape Town and made what would become one of her most well-known speeches, where she confirmed her lifelong commitment to service and duty.
"My whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong," she said.
Read more via Sky
How many children and grandchildren did the Queen have?
The Queen was married to Prince Philip, who died in April 2021, for more than 73 years. They had four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Prince Charles was her first-born, followed by Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
The order of succession sets out which member of the Royal Family takes over as monarch when the existing one dies or abdicates. First in line - the heir to the throne - is the monarch's eldest child.
Royal succession rules were amended in 2013 to ensure that sons no longer take precedence over their older sisters.
Prince Charles is the Queen's heir. His eldest son, Prince William, is second in line to the throne, and William's eldest child, Prince George, is third.
A 'selfless' monarch who made Britain proud
For decades, Queen Elizabeth II was a figure of national pride, a symbol of stability and continuity, who was respected around the world.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she displayed an unwavering commitment to her country and the Commonwealth throughout her record-breaking reign.
From becoming Queen when she was only 25, she went on to become Britain's longest-reigning monarch, and a head of state without equal on the world stage.
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Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, passed away at Balmoral this evening, aged 96.
She had four children during her marriage to Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, the eldest of whom, Charles, succeeds her as heir apparent to the throne.
The Queen met Philip at a royal wedding when she was eight years old and her future spouse, 13.
The teenage Prince of Greece and Denmark was a guest at the wedding of his cousin Princess Marina to Prince George, the Duke of Kent at Westminster Abbey on 29 November 1934.
The two would have been introduced at the reception, held at Buckingham Palace.
Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, has passed away at the age of 96.
Europa League matches involving English sides are currently underway but there is uncertainty around this weekend’s Premier League fixtures.
Arsenal were in Europa League action at the time of the Queen’s passing and held a minute’s silence with FC Zurich as they made their way back onto the pitch after half-time.
Perhaps the most astonishing thing about the life of Queen Elizabeth was her incredible longevity, recently celebrating her Platinum Jubliee. She lived through 15 different Prime Ministers, countless national crisies and a rapidly changing country struggling to find its place in the world.
After her reign came to an end today, we take a look at the number behind her record-breaking stint on the throne...
President Biden leads tributes to the Queen
“She was the first British monarch to whom people all around the world could feel a personal and immediate connection—whether they heard her on the radio as a young princess speaking to the children of the United Kingdom, or gathered around their televisions for her coronation, or watched her final Christmas speech or her platinum jubilee on their phones. And she, in turn, dedicated her whole life to their service.”
England's national football team pays tribute
Queen Elizabeth II, who presented the English national football team with its only major tournament win in 1966, has been honoured in a post. The statement reads: "Her Majesty the Queen will be forever linked with some of our most memorable moments."
Sports officials in the UK are still discussing whether it would be appropriate to go ahead with this weekend's Premier League fixtures in the light of today's sad news.
Officials share fond memories of Queen Elizabeth
A video shared on social media shows the Queen's former bodyguard reccounting an occasion when they had met two hikers in Scotland, who failed to grasp exactly who they were speaking to. The clip is taken from her Platinum Jubilee celebrations earlier this year and shows the fondness with which she was held by those close to her.
The new monarch, King Charles III, replacing his mother on the throne and does so after having the longest wait in the history of the British monarchy. Charles was previously married to Princess Diana but later remarried to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
Now that Charles has ascended to the throne, what does that mean for Camilla? Does she become queen, princess, or something else entirely? We take a look...
Prime Minister Liz Truss issues statement on Queen's passing
Prime Minister Liz Truss had only been in the role for two days when news of Queen Elizabeth's death was confirmed, becoming the first PM in 70 years to announce the death of a monarch. She gave a short speech to the Queen from the steps of Downing Street, paying tribute to her incredible reign.
Truss her addres with the words: "God save the King."
'London Bridge is down' or 'Operation Unicorn'
The code 'London Bridge is down' was the planned phrase to inform officials of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and the plan covered many of the logistical elements of the days after the death. However this only applied if the Queen had died in London, not Scotland.
As she died in Balmoral Castle, Scotland, many of the next steps, including the journey of her mortal remains to London on the Royal Train, are governed by Operation Unicorn. The Unicorn is the official national animal of Scotland.
Once the death of Queen Elizabeth II was confirmed a number of immediate steps were taken, including the phone call to the Prime Minister and then to other heads of State. The news was released to the media and also announced on social media. Flags on official buildings in the UK were to be flying at half-mast within 10 minutes of the news being announced. They will remain at half-mast until 8 a.m. on the day after the funeral.
UK parliamentary duties have now been suspended for six days in order to prepare for the funeral.
Churches may toll their bells to mark the day of the Queen’s death, or wait until tomorrow to do so, given the late-ish hour of the announcement.
Under Operation London Bridge, the Queen’s body was to be taken to Westminster Abbey, however under Operation Unicorn it will be taken to Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, where it will lie in repose in the Palace of Holyrood, the Royal residence, before being carried up the Royal Mile to St Giles Cathedral.
The main state funeral will still take place in London, however, and the Queen’s coffin will be taken to Waverley Station in Edinburgh to be transported on the Royal Train to London.
When Prince Charles and Princess Diana married in 1981 an incredible 750 million people from all around the world tuned in to watch what was dubbed the “wedding of the century”.
Their marriage did not last but it did produce two children, William and Harry, one of which is now first in line for the throne, after new monarch King Charles III. The two Princes have become major public figures in recent years.
King Charles releases first statement
After the death of Elizabeth II today, her son and heir Charles has released a statement. He describes the news as a "moment of the greatest sadness" for the Royal Family and pays tribute to the longest-serving monarch in British history.
He adds that he can take confort in the "knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widelt held."
The astonishing life of Queen Elizabeth II
Since ascending in 1952 Queen Elizabeth II has lived an extraordinary life, becoming the first UK monarch to reach her Platinum Jubilee after 70 years on the throne. She remained deeply intune with the traditional responsibilities and role of the monach while acting as a modernising presence in Buckingham Palace.
She died today at the age of 96, but leaves behind an abundance of warm memories for the hundreds of millions of people who adored her.
Biden cancels press conference out of respect
President Biden has cancelled a planned press conference on vaccinations after the sad news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Earlier today President Biden and his wife, First Lady Jill, had passed on their wishes to the whole Royal Family.
Buckingham Palace has announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96. Doctors became worried about her health on Wednesday and kept her under close medical supervision, releasing a statement earleir today to advise of her deteriorating health.
Members of her family arrived at the Queen’s side at Balmoral Castle in Scotland earlier today. She follows her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away last April.
Official announcement posted at Buckingham Palace
As per tradition, news of the Queen's death was first announced by a statement posted on the gates of Buckingham Palace less than 15 minutes ago. The Queen was not in residence but the Palace remains the ancestral home of the British Royal Family. The short statement reads:
"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.
Thursday, 8 September 2022"
Prince Charles become the UK's monarch
The Queen's eldest son, Charles, will ascend to the throne at the age of 73 after the death of Queen Elizabeth II today. The British system dictates that there must always be a monach and so Charles takes on the role of the crown before being given an official coronation.
As well as inheriting the role from his mother, he also inherits the vast fortune and countless acres of land owned by the royal household.
Britain pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
The United Kingdom is coming to terms with the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away today at the age of 96. Since coming to power in 1952, she has gone on to become the country's longest-serving monarch and a public figure who became a ever-present in public life for billions of people around the world.
Queen Elizabeth II dies peacefully at her home
The Royal Family's official Twitter account has confirmed the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away at the age of 96.
Her health had deteriorated in recent days and her family members visited her at her Highlands residence today to say goodbye to the United Kingdom's longest-serving monarch.
Rest in peace.
What is the succession plan for Prince Charles?
The issue of regal succession has been pushed to the front of minds in recent hours oas the sad news regarding the Queen's health has spread. Not only is she a beloved national treasure and icon around the world, but the Queen has an important constitutional role in the British governmental system.
As such, the country cannot be left in limbo is she undergoes a sustained period of ill-health or succumbs to the illness. At the precise moment she passes away, her heir Prince Charles will assume the crown and become King.
Double rainbow as crowds await news of the Queen
Throughout the day well-wishers have been gathering outside Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Balmoral Castle to offer support for the Queen, who is under medical supervision.
Onlookers at Buckingham Palace today got treated to the sight of a rare double rainbow across the London sky. Crowds have had to put up with rain for much of the day, but the rainbow does show that the sun is not far away.
Prince William drives Prince Edward and Prince Andrew towards Balmoral Castle
The first member of the Royla household to visit was Prince Charles this afternoon, but Princes William Edward and Andrew have also arrived in recent hours to be with the Queen. William, who is next in line after his father Charles, was pictured driving his uncles into the Queen's Balmoral Castle estate.
Biden remains in the loop about the Queen's condition
Despite hers now being a largely ceremonial role, Queen Elizabeth continues to draw attention from all around the world. She is resting at Balmoral Castle, but recent visits by her closest family members have compounded concerns that she is gravely unwell.
White house correspondent Kaitlan Collins says that President Biden is keeping up to date with the Queen's condition, and that he and First Lady Jill Biden are keeping Her Majesty in their thoughts.
What is Operation Unicorn?
Earlier today Bucking Palace released a statement confirming that the Queen was under close medical supervision at Balmoral Castle after doctors recorded a deterioration in her condition in recent days. This started talk of Operation London Bridge, the codename for the protocol designed to communicate the death of the Queen, but her being in Scotland has complicated things.
For a royal death in Scotland officials have also prepared 'Operation Unicorn', which details how her body would travel down to London for a funeral. Here's everything you need to know about Operation Unicorn...
In 1952 Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne and she has served for the past 70 years. This incredible stretch has made her the longest-serving monarch in British history and her heir, eldest son Prince Charles, the longest-standing 'next-in-line'.
He is thought to have been the first family member to visit with the Queen today when news of her condition was spread. The Queen is meeting with other close family members today, who are all visiting her at her Balmoral estate.
Former PM Tony Blair offers "thoughts and prayers"
Earlier this week Liz Truss became the 15th Prime Minister to form a government on behald of Queen Elizabeth II and met with the monarch on Tuesday. Today Truss said that "the whole country will be deeply concerned by the news" and a number of other leading UK politicians have offered their support for the Queen and her family.
A post from the Tony Blair Institutue says that the former PM has found the news "deeply concerning" and that he is praying for her recovery.
Inside Balmoral Castle, the Queen's Highland residence
Members of the Royal Family are visiting with Queen Elizabeth II as she remains under medical supervision in Balmoral Castle. The 96-year-old has spent the summer at her Scottish estate, where the whole family would visit frequently on holidays.
It is known to be one of the Queen's favourite places and perhaps an appropriate setting for her final days. But the castle that we see today has changed a lot during the course of its history.
Here, former royal butler Grant Harrold recalls his experiences of the Highlands retreat and takes us inside Balmoral Castle.
Prince Harry travels to Balmoral Castle
Prince Harry, the Queen's grandson, is en route to her Balmoral estate in Scotland after the news that her health had deteriorated significantly. He is thought to be travelling there alone without his wife the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle.
Only close family members have so far travelled to Scotland to be with the Queen.
"We are all watching on with increasing alarm and concern about the news that is breaking. Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty the Queen and the royal family as they gather at Balmoral.
I know across Northern Ireland there will be an outpouring of emotion right now. The Queen has been a constant in our lives, unshakeable. She has provided strong leadership to this country in some very difficult and challenging times.
Her presence in Northern Ireland, her support from reconciliation, the work that she has done in building bridges with the Republic of Ireland.
She has made an enormous contribution to our lives, to our nation and our heart goes out to her majesty and her family in these very difficult times.
How might the Queen's death affect the UK?
Speaking on podcast The News Agent, Andrew Marr describes the death of the Queen as the "biggest shaking of all" to the UK and its sense of self. After seven decades in power she had come to represent not only an image of Britain on the world stage, but also as an icon of personality within the country.
There will be few people alive who have clear memories of Elizabeth II's predeccessor, George VI, who died in 1952.
Queen Elizabeth's astonishing reign
Earlier this year Elizabeth II became the first British royal to reach the Platinum Jubilee, the 70-year anniversary of her taking the throne. Not only is her achievement impressive in the UK perspective, but it becomes even more amazing when put in context with the United States.
What is Operation Unicorn?
So full of tradition and ceremony ss the UK monarchy that the death of a monarch is planned down to the finest detail, even decades before the day has actually arrived. A process known as Operation London Bridge outlines the exact protocol for the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, assuming that she dies in England.
However the Queen has spent the summer in her Sotland residence of Balmoral Castle, and her family members have travelled to visit her there today. This means that there is a good likelihood that she will be in Scotland when she passes away, paving the way for Operation Unicorn...
"Well, I think the first thing to say is it's highly unusual for Buckingham Palace to make a statement like this about the Queen's health and to say that doctors are concerned is certainly something that we haven't heard before in so many words and that she's under medical supervision at Balmoral."
"We know that she was unable to attend the virtual Privy Council meeting, even by a video link, and she's 96 and she is frail.
"And there are all sorts of possible complications around her condition, and the fact that doctors are concerned and we have had this statement for from Buckingham Palace, I think it's very significant."
UK progamming cancelled until 6pm
The publically-owned BBC 1 channel in the UK has suspended all programming until 6pm local time (1pm ET) as the continued coverage of the Queen's condition continues. Coverage in the past few hours has focused on her achievement during her astonishing 70-year reign, which saw her become the UK's longest-serving monarch.
Family members head for Balmoral Castle
Earlier today Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall flew by helicopter to the Queen's Balmoral Castle residence as it became clear that her condition had worsened. The Prince is thought to have been the first of the family members to visit with HRH, while Princess Anne, Prince William and Prince Harry were shortly behind.
As close family members gather at Balmoral Castle there is a growing sense that the Queen's doctors are concerned about the 96-year-old's condition.
The Queen has survived a number of previous health scares
While the news from Balmoral Castle does seem fairly bleak at the moment, this would not be the first time that she has managed a miraculous comeback. In 2013 she was hospitalised with gastroenteritis but made a full recovery.
In recent years she has fought back after a series of nasty illnesses. In this report, The List takes a look at Queen Elizabeth's medical history.
Live footage from the exterior of Balmoral Castle
Reuters are broaccasting a live feed of the outside of Balmoral Castle, where Queen Elizabeth II is currently under close medical supervision after her condition deteriorated drastically in recent days. The world's press have began to gether outside the gorund of the Queen's Scottish residence but there has been little movement in or out so far.
Prince Charles and other close fmaily members are already by her side, and others are expected to arrive in the coming hours.
Royal flight will soon arrive at nearby Aberdeen airport
An airplane carrying seven members of the Royal Family is expected to land at Aberdeen airport, near to the Queen's Balmoral Castle residence, in the coming minutes. Earlier today close family members like Prince Charles, Princess Anne and Prince William arrived at Balmoral to spend time with the Queen, in what could be her final days.
Aberdeen airport is roughly an hour's drive from Balmoral Castle meaning that the new visitors will likely arrive in the early evening, UK time.
Palace statement anounces Queen's health condition
"Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.
The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral."
What does 'London Bridge is down' mean?
The Queen's health condition is thought to have worsened significantly in the past few days, leading to speculation that she is nearing the edge of her life. However the process related to the death of a monarch is part of a carefully-orchastrated plan to ensure that her closest family and important diplomatic relations are told of her passing first.
This is Operation London Bridge...
Queen welcomed Truss at Balmoral earlier this week
The Queen's deterioration in health may seem fairly abrupt, coming just two days after she met with new UK Prime Minister Liz Truss to accept her proposal to form a new government. However the decision to meet in Balmoral Castle, Scotland, did hint at ill health.
Queen Elizabeth has welcomed more than a dozen Prime Ministers and the greeting typically takes place at Buckingham Palace in London. However after spening her summer in Balmoral the Queen remained in Scotland to recieve Truss, suggesting that she may not have been well enough to make the trip down to London.
What happens when a British monarch dies? The exact protocol has not be visited since the death of Queen Elizabeth's father, George VI, in 1952 but it could become vitally important in the coming days.
The Queen's immediate family have already begun travelling to be with her at Balmoral Castle and her son and heir Prince Charles has already arrived. This is the first part of a carefully choreographed plan, known as 'Operation London Bridge.'
Tony Blair statement
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who served the Queen from 1997 to 2007, just put out the following statement about the news from Buckingham Palace.
The two were said to have had a "tumultuous relationship" and rarely saw "eye-to-eye on things" according to Michael Sheen, who played Tony Blair in the 2006 film, The Queen, and who said he had been told by a reliable source that the pair had made an agreement never to watch the film about the fall out from Princess Diana's death in 1997.
No more details from the Buckingham Palace
The BBC Royal Correspondent, Nicholas Witchell, has just confirmed that Buckingham Palace will not be providing any further statements at this moment, and says his belief is that "nothing is imminent"
Current line of succession to the British throne
The current line of succession to the British throne is as follows:
1. Charles, Prince of Wales - the Queen's eldest son
2. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Charles' eldest son
3. Prince George of Cambridge, William's eldest child
4. Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, William's second eldest child
5. Prince Louis of Cambridge, William's third child
6. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Charles' second son
7. Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, Harry's eldest child
8. Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor, Harry's second child
Prayers of the nation with the Queen
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, the leader of the Church of England said: "My prayers, and the prayers of people across the (Church of England) and the nation, are with Her Majesty The Queen today. May God’s presence strengthen and comfort Her Majesty, her family, and those who are caring for her at Balmoral.
UK politician handed note shortly before session is suspended
A session of the UK Parliament earlier today was brought to a halt when news of the Queen's deteriorating condition was made public. New Prime Minister Liz Truss met with the monarch on Tuesday to formally ask for her permission to form a government.
However that meeting took place in Balmoral Castle, rather than the traditional location of Buckingham Palace, suggesting that her condition had worsened by that point. Truss has since said that "the whole country will be deeply concerned by the news"
Sartorial choices hint at bleak news to come
Reporters on BBC News, the UK's publically-owned news station, are now wearing black clothes, possibly suggesting that they are braced to announce bad news regarding the health of Queen Elizabeth II. This is thought to form a part of the 'London Bridge is down' protocol, the plan for civil servants and the Queen's household to deal withthe death of a monarch.
Confirmation of the Queen's condition
The announcement earlier today of the Queen's condition was a marked departure from normal Buckingham Palace communications. The Palace is normally extremely reluctant to pass comment on the Queen's health, in part to avoid fuelling any rumours.
However a statement released today confirmed that "The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision."
Here's a run-down of what we know from the BBC...
Warm wishes from UK church leaders
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has passed on prayers to Queen Elizabeth II and hoped for her recovery. The Archbishop is the principal leader of the Church of England, which has close ties to the monarchy.
Queen's family travels to Scotland to visit
The severity of Queen Elizabeth II's conditions has really become clear in the past hour as news broke that members of her close family, incuding eldest son Prince Charles, have travelled to Balmoral Castle to be with her.
Charles is the heir to the throne and will inherit the crown from his mother.
Welcome to AS USA
Good afternoon. We will bring the latest from Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where Queen Elizabeth II is under medical supervision after her condition worsened.