Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, aged 96, bringing to an end a historic reign that lasted 70 years and 214 days.
Elizabeth became Queen in 1952 following the death of her father, King George VI. Her reign made her the longest-serving British monarch and one of the most recognisable figures in modern history.
She served as Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms for seven decades, witnessing major political, social and technological changes around the world.
Her death was announced by Buckingham Palace on the evening of September 8, after doctors expressed concern about her health earlier that day. Her eldest son, Charles, immediately became King Charles III.
The Queen's death triggered detailed plans for her funeral, including Operation London Bridge and Operation Unicorn, which covered arrangements following her death in Scotland.
Her coffin was first taken to Edinburgh and lay at rest at St Giles' Cathedral from September 12 to 13. It was then flown to London, where it lay in state at Westminster Hall for four days. An estimated 250,000 people queued in London to pay their respects, while thousands more viewed the coffin in Edinburgh.
The United Kingdom observed 10 days of national mourning before the Queen's state funeral on September 19.
Queen Elizabeth II. PHOTO/Getty Images
The service at Westminster Abbey was attended by dignitaries and leaders from around the world, while millions watched the proceedings.
After the funeral, her coffin was taken to Windsor for a committal service at St George's Chapel. Queen Elizabeth II was later buried alongside her husband, Prince Philip, in the King George VI Memorial Chapel.
Her death marked the end of an era for the British monarchy and the beginning of a new chapter under King Charles III.
