Queen Elizabeth II Dies: What Happened Before Britain's Monarch Passed Away?
It is the end of an era, as the United Kingdom announced that Queen Elizabeth II had died at age 96. She became the longest-reigning British monarch, with her rule spanning over seven decades.
The royal family released a statement, saying that she died peacefully at Balmoral. They then announced that the new King and the Queen Consort will be remaining at Balmoral but will return to London tomorrow. Upon her death, her eldest son, Prince Charles, has now become King Charles III, according to the BBC.
"We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother," King Charles III stated, adding that her loss will be felt throughout the country, the realms, the Commonwealth, and the rest of the world.
Charles III is expected to make his first public address as King on Friday.
The Queen's final appearance was on Tuesday when she formally appointed Liz Truss as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. She was seen smiling and standing in the drawing room in Balmoral. Truss is her 15th and final prime minister.
Royal Family Rushed to Queen Elizabeth II's Side
After the announcement was made, crowds gathered at Balmoral Castle and other royal residences, with many going despite the heavy rain. According to CNN, some were visibly shaken by the news, while others brought flowers and lit candles.
The Queen's four children also rushed to Balmoral in Scotland. Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, was already there, while the now-King Charles III and the now-Queen Consort Camilla rushed to Scotland upon hearing the news. Prince Edward and his wife Sophie also rushed to Balmoral, along with the embattled Prince Andrew.
Prince William, who is now the Heir Apparent to the throne, also arrived at Balmoral to rush to his grandmother's side. He and his wife Catherine are now the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge, replacing Charles and Camilla, respectively.
While Prince William rushed to Scotland, Catherine stayed at Windsor Castle as it was their children's first day at school. Meanwhile, the estranged Prince Harry also arrived at Balmoral, but he arrived alone as his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, was not with him.
READ MORE: Buckingham Palace Confirms Passing of Queen Elizabeth II at 96 Years Old
U.S. and Other World Leaders Pay Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
According to The Guardian, U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, released statements regarding the Queen. President Biden said that she was a "stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy" and was more than a monarch who defined an era.
Meanwhile, his wife, Dr. Biden, recalled her first meeting with the Queen, stating that she extended her hospitality with them when Joe was still part of a Senate delegation sent to the U.S. in 1982.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he learned of the Queen's passing with the"heaviest of hearts," while Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised her for her "duty, family, faith and service." Another Commonwealth leader, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, said she defined "notions of service, charity, and consistency." Queen Elizabeth also served as the head of state in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described her as a good friend, while Pope Francis, in an open letter to King Charles III, described her as a "steadfast witness of faith in Jesus Christ."
READ MORE: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Reject Prince Charles' Balmoral Open Invitation
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Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: England mourns Queen Elizabeth II"s death - Good Morning America