Buckingham Palace Confirms Passing of Queen Elizabeth II at 96 Years Old

The United Kingdom's longest serving monarch has died, according to Buckingham Palace, leaving behind a 70 year-long reign and immense international impact. In its official statement, Buckingham Palace writes:

"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

Queen Elizabeth II took up her role in 1952 at the age of 21 and has since been a leading identity in the world of geopolitical politics and social change. Her first son, Charles, Prince of Wales, will take up the mantle as King at the age of 73. In his own statement, His Majesty the King said:

"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."

Buckingham Palace today, September 8th, was crowded with many various onlookers awaiting any and all updates surrounding news of the Queen's health, following reports of canceled meetings in the runup to her demise. The Palace's Union flag was lowered to half-mast at the strike of 6:30 PM BST to mark her passing.

Born in Mayfair, London on April 21st, 1926, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor would go on to become one of the leading political identities of the modern era. In her reign, Queen Elizabeth bore witness to 15 different prime ministers, each of which she would hold special meetings with on a weekly basis, one of which being the iconic Winston Churchill.

This past Tuesday, September 6th, the Queen even took part in the transition of Liz Truss over Boris Johnson as Prime Minister, which would be celebrated at Balmoral Castle in Scotland for the very first time in her tenure as Queen.

Despite being incredibly healthy throughout much of her reign, more recently several so-called "mobility issues" were impeding her abilities. In May, Queen Elizabeth had to skip a visit to the State Opening of Parliament and earlier in February, not a mere two weeks following the 70th anniversary of her ascension to the throne, it was announced she had tested positive for COVID-19.

In the face of these issues, the Queen relayed: "My heart has been with you all."

Thus, she powered on and remains among the most celebrated individuals not merely in the British diplomatic sphere, but quite literally in all of politics. She is survived by four children, Prince Andrew, Princess Royal Anne, Prince Edward, and the newfound King, Charles. Reuters reports that all of her children are at her side amidst her passing.

A funeral fitting for a Queen of her stature is in the process of being planned, yet no information currently exists as Britain still remains in the throes of mourning.