Queen Elizabeth II Dies At the Age of 96
Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96. Britain's longest-serving monarch—and the second-longest serving monarch in world history—passed away on Sept. 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said, "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral Palace this afternoon. The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
The queen's doctors became concerned for her health on the morning of Sept. 8, when she pulled out of a virtual privy meeting. She remained under medical supervision as her four children—as well as her grandsons, Prince William and Prince Harry—gathered at Balmoral to be by her side.
Her death means that the country has a new monarch in her son, Prince Charles.
Related: See 53 Vintage Photos of Queen Elizabeth Through the Years
The queen's grandson and heir to the throne Prince William is set to inherit the title Prince of Wales from his father.
Princess Elizabeth was born to the Duke and Duchess of York on April 21, 1926. Her sister Princess Margaret was born four years later. Elizabeth was third in line to the throne during her grandfather King George V's reign. However, when her uncle Edward VIII abdicated in order to marry Wallis Simpson, her father became King George VI.
Related: Where Is Prince Philip Buried?
When he died in 1952, Elizabeth acceded to the throne. She chose Elizabeth as her regnal name, becoming Queen Elizabeth II. Her coronation followed the year later.
In April 2021 the queen's husband Prince Philip died at the age of 99. He and Princess Elizabeth were married in 1947, and Philip went on to become the longest-serving consort in British history.
The couple is survived by their four children— Charles the king, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward—eight grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
Related: Get to Know the Queen's Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
In June 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle paid homage to the Queen by naming their newborn daughter "Lilibet," which was once the monarch's family nickname.
Next, how long was Elizabeth Queen? Find out the remarkable stats.
