Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday, September 8th, 2022, as the longest serving British Monarch in history. Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s residence, announced her death yesterday, and tributes poured in instantly from all around the world. Heads of state, celebrities, and public figures all paid their respects. 

The British Monarch became queen in 1952, seventy years ago. Her reign overlapped with thirteen U.S. Presidents, five popes, and numerous British prime ministers. She was known for her wisdom, sense of humor, and statesmanship. The announcement of her death reverberated around the world, which triggered Operation London Bridge, the official plan for her death. Buckingham Palace in London was overrun by mourning citizens. 

She died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, and before her death was announced, the Royal family was rushed to Balmoral by plane, and then by motorcade. Minutes later, a double-rainbow formed over Buckingham Palace, and the gathered mourners broke out into the British national anthem, “God Save The Queen.“ 

The announcement was made at 6:30 p.m. local time in Britain. Within seconds, every major newsroom and radio station in the world announced the news to listeners. Earlier in the day, Buckingham Palace had notified the public that the Queen’s health was being monitored closely, which caused many to worry. 

With her death, the new British Monarch is King Charles. King Charles is the son of the late Queen Elizabeth. He has waited his entire life for this moment, but due to royal procedure, will likely have to wait a few months to be crowned King. The Queen will lie in state at Balmoral Castle, and her funeral is planned for twelve days after her death, which would be September 20th. Her funeral is poised to be one of the most-watched world events of all time.