King Charles Declares a Period of Royal Mourning Following the Queen’s Death

King Charles III has declared a period of royal mourning after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, which starts now and will end seven days after the queen's funeral.

The mourning period will be observed by members of the royal family, royal household staff, and representatives of the royal household on official duties, as well as troops committed to ceremonial duties.

While the official date of the queen's funeral has not yet been confirmed, it's likely that it will occur 10 days or more after her death, according to the stipulations of Operation LONDON BRIDGE, the United Kingdom's government's multistep plan for the monarch's passing.

Royal residences will remain closed until after the queen's funeral, too. This includes the Queen's Gallery and the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, as well as the Queen's Gallery in Edinburgh, Balmoral Castle, Sandringham House, and Hillsborough Castle.

Photo credit: Richard Heathcote - Getty Images
Photo credit: Richard Heathcote - Getty Images

Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday that the queen, the longest reigning monarch in British history, had died at 96 years old.

"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," the message read.

Shortly after, King Charles released a statement reflecting on the passing of his mother.

"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," he 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."

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