Her Majesty The Queen has passed away aged 96.
Queen Elizabeth had been placed under medical supervision because doctors are “concerned for Her Majesty’s health,” Buckingham Palace said Thursday, as members of the royal family rushed to Scotland to the side of the 96-year-old monarch.
Buckingham Palace said:
“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.
Thursday, 8 September 2022″
The Queen had ruled for longer than any other Monarch in British history, becoming a much loved and respected figure across the globe. Her extraordinary reign saw her travel more widely than any other monarch, undertaking many historic overseas visits. Known for her sense of duty and her devotion to a life of service, she has been an important figurehead for the UK and the Commonwealth during times of enormous social change.
Her Majesty continued to carry out a full programme of engagements, from visits to charities and schools, to hosting visiting Heads of State, to leading the nation in Remembrance and celebratory events – all supported by other members of the Royal Family.
The Queen, say Buckingham Palace, had seen public and voluntary service as one of the most important elements of her work. The Queen has links – as Royal Patron or President – with over 600 charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organisations. These vary from well-established international charities to smaller bodies working in a specialist area or on a local basis only.
'I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service.'
On her twenty-first birthday, in a speech broadcast on the radio from Cape Town, The Queen (then Princess Elizabeth) dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/0URU2tEPj8
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 9, 2020
The Queen
Elizabeth was the eldest child of Prince Albert, the Duke of York (later George VI) and his wife Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mother). Her father Prince Albert was second in line to the throne until his elder brother Edward VIII abdicated in 1936 – pushing the shy Prince Albert into an unexpected role of King. King George VI rose to the challenge though he died early in 1952. Elizabeth was educated at home, along with her sister Princess Margaret. During the Second World War, they were evacuated to Balmoral and later Windsor Castle. Towards the end of the war in 1945, Elizabeth joined the Women’s Royal Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she served as a driver and mechanic. After the war, she increasingly stepped into her role of performing public service and made her first overseas trip to South Africa in 1947.
In 1952, her father George VI passed away and Queen Elizabeth was crowned Queen with widespread enthusiasm. Her coronation set TV records around the globe, and it appeared to usher in a new era for the monarchy and British Commonwealth. News of Edmund Hilary reaching the peak of Mt Everest was delayed to coincide with her coronation. It appeared a symbolic end to the post-war austerity. After the difficulties of the 1990s, the 2000s saw a resurgence in her popularity as the Royal Family put many difficulties behind them, and they were able to celebrate good news. If 1992 was her annus horribilus, 2012, was perhaps her annus mirabilis. Firstly, in April, Prince William married Kate Middleton to widespread public enthusiasm. Then in summer, her Golden Jubilee was widely celebrated and popular despite the wet weather. Finally, in July 2012, she took part in the opening ceremony of the London Olympics – which was a huge global success.
The Queen: "I feel enormously proud of what the Commonwealth has achieved, and all of it within my lifetime" pic.twitter.com/RP6zbzzT7N
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) November 27, 2015
The Queen married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in 1947, a young naval officer who was the great-great-grandson of Queen Victoria. In 1948, they welcomed their first child, Prince Charles, and two years later, Princess Anne. Unfortunately, after 73 years of marriage, Queen Elizabeth’s beloved Prince Philip passed away in April 2021. She reportedly said in private that her husband’s passing had “left a huge void” while she was by his bedside when he passed away. In her Christmas broadcast that year, the Queen paid a personal tribute to her “beloved Philip”, saying, “That mischievous, inquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him”. During her time as Head of State, Queen Elizabeth sought to refrain from interfering in political issues and provide a moderating influence on the nation.
God Bless Ma’am Thank you for your Service.
Tears. Nothing else to say…..
Not ashamed to say I shed tears too Daniele. I was four when she was crowned and vaguely remember that day. The end of an era. I will fly the Union Jack at half mast at our offices today
Bless you, my friend. 🙏 Yes. It’s happened.
Me too, I cried like never before. Lost for words to describe the feelings of loss.
😪
Hi DM. Apologies for my late reach out on this distressing event. I have one glimmer of light to share. In the 80,000 years of homo sapien existence, how privileged we few are to have lived at the exact moment in time as Queen Elizabeth II. We are richer as people for it.
This is certainly a very sad and painful day in British history.
That is true, yet at the same time, she died at a ripe old age, at home in bed, loved and respected by her nation as one of the greatest of Britain’s constitutional monarchs, with plentiful children and grandchildren to carry on the monarchy, and a decent heir, while carrying out her official duties until the end. Short of living long enough that science granted her immortality, it’s difficult to imagine any better way she could have passed, though living till 100 would certainly have been a nice milestone, and I am sure the pain of losing her husband and… Read more »
Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, R.I.P.
And Queen of Canada, New Zealand, and her other realms as well.😥
What a remarkable person she was. Total service for her country. The very best of British. The greatest Briton of my lifetime I would think. What an astonishing and wonderful life she had, and gave to her country…
I agree, a true class act who will be missed.
charles has a tough task to follow
RIP Mam.
The Queen is Dead, Long live the King.
Well said.
this is when british customs and traditions few know about are repeated as they have for centuries
Sad news all round. A massive loss not just for this nation but the Commonwealth as a whole. It was a pleasure to serve you ma’am.
yeah I knew we’d get a change of monarch in our lifetime but I wasn’t expecting it so soon, I kind of expected her to live to 100
RIP QE2
mind you chars in no youngster at 71 himself
Perhaps the greatest leader of my lifetime. Knowing it was bound to happen doesn’t do much to lessen the blow. Truly sad. God Bless.
The Queen is dead, long live the King.
Thank you for your service ma’am
Rest in peace our Queen. Things will never be quite the same again.
My deepest condolences to all UK and Commonwealth Citizens on the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
Please know that this Magnificent Lady was adored and loved here in the States also.
I hope people can find solace that she passed peacefully, surrounded by those she loved, in a place she loved. She has no more pain, and is reunited with Prince Philip.
She was a shining example of not only a “life well lived”; but a life of duty, service, devotion, and honor.
May God comfort all of you at this difficult time.
Respectfully,
RonH2996
Perfectly put. Honoured to have served under her.
Thanks for expressing my sentiments better than I could have done myself. All should take comfort from the fact that Jesus has welcomed her home as a true and faithful servant.
reunited with her mum,dad and sister sleep well our dear queen, you have served us, guided us, bourn the hard times with us and thank you always.
In the words of Yes Minister:
Sir H: “The Queen and the Church of England are inseparable.”
Hacker: “And God?”
Sir H “Well, he’s what you might call an ‘optional extra.'”
Thank you for your words, very true, respect.
Thank you Ron, well put. Like others here it was an honour to have served her.
Thank you sir.
Beautifully put sir.
Thank you.
CR
Beautifully put sir. Many thanks.
Well said that man
Thank you sir.
It’s hard to find words to honour and remember the Queen, at this sad time. But you said them so well Ron, and so eloquently.Thank you so much. God bless you and keep you safe.
God save the King,
ditto
Here, Here. A very sombre Tot on the 19th. Duty done Boss. Nostrus in manibus Tuti.
Well Said Sir
It was a honour to serve her and her people to upkeep the values that are treasured and priceless she showed us all.
Thank you Ron for your lovely words of deep respect. I along with many of us had the honour of serving her, but could never match the service she gave to us.
End of an era …. Never put a foot wrong in 75 yrs
🏴🇬🇧
Good night Ma’am. A constant in our lives. You will be irreplaceable. 🇬🇧
God bless Mam RIP ,always a Queen 👑
God bless the Queen.She was worth fighting for.Honi soit qui mal y pense.
I am slightly surprised at my own sense of loss tonight. The Queen was such a constant in all our lives and will be missed by so many around the world. A wonderful woman. Our queen has gone. God save the King.
A true leader. Such a remarkable lady, stoic and dutiful to the very end. RIP.
From Germany, deepest sympathy to our british people. We admired her as well.
Well said.
thankyou. germany.
Sad sad day RIP Ma’am
Gutted! Didn’t seem real until I saw our Union flag at half mast! Without doubt the one person who could bring just about any person and peoples together, even if for short moments! Faultlessly serving this country and its people. Smart, beautiful, sensible, honourable and irreplaceable. RIP.
i hope the lump in my throat. isn’t permanent.
One of a kind and an inspiration to all.
Long live the King.
I am very proud to have taken the Oath of Allegiance and served under Her Majesties Colours for nearly half my life. I am moved to tears. Her Majesty was a constant guide to the Commonwealth and country. I mourn.
Deep sympathy from the USA. She was a remarkable woman. She exemplified the British spirit and fortitude. May she Rest In Peace.
To you all, my deepest sympathies. I actually met her mother when I was a wee lad while living in England, and she was passing through my town. Both seemed like exceptional women.
We had tears in our eyes when the news came through. The lasting image I will have of Her Majesty will be her smile an dthat is what I will hang to.
Elizabeth the Great is a name that has been mentioned a couple of times already. I hope it sticks…
Rest in peace your Majesty.
God Save the King.
ChariotRider
RIP Big Lizzy.
🇬🇧🫡
God save the King
These may be Old words, but they are the only words that sum up who we all are, Brits, Australians, Canadians, New Zealenders and all our fellow subjects.
The Queen is Dead, God Save the King 🇬🇧🇦🇺🇨🇦🇹🇻🇬🇸🇵🇳🇳🇿🇲🇸🇫🇰🇫🇯
A magnificent lady and Queen and epitome of service to the country, it’s people and many others. Thank you for your all and showing the world the best of Britain.
🇦🇺 🇳🇿 🇬🇧
I’ll miss the boss, she had a great reign
A very sad day and the end of an ere, We are fast running out of those who served (and indeed lived through WW2). RIP Queen Elizabeth II
Rather indifferent to this all I’m sad to say. No major scandles, which puts a positive spin on her reign and was always closely commited to her faith and duty, which I have the utmost respect for her for. Shame William isn’t next in line.
In better news; Ukranian forces broke through Russian lines east of Kharkiv and advance elements are geolocated within 8k of the Oskil river.
Rest in Peace Your Majesty. God Save The King!
Am deeply moved – much more so than I expected; I feel like my Grandmother just died. God save the King.
It’s the great British spirit coming out. We’re feeling it down here in 🇦🇺 too. 🇬🇧 🇦🇺 🇳🇿
One chapter closes, another opens.
Sad times indeed, she was our rock, our guid and our mentor.
Assume I was present among onlooker at the Coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth , but was only in my second year as a Londoner. No memory, but had been gifted a souvenir that I later treasured for its fascination & excellence: the royal blue and silver bound full colour photo Processional Way and Coronation book. No doubt we’re soon to experience something very similar as, Worldwide, we awake from an Elizabethan Age that the vast majority have never lived outside of. Elizabeth’s final procession, and the making of Kind Charles III, will be an event that the uninvited Putin csn… Read more »
nobody can do grand like the british do. the funeral will be a magnificent occasion. its so sad that it will be for such a sad occasion.
Indeed, but I was more reflecting upon the official Coronation of KCIII presumed to come. Rgs
I have read possibly up to a year or more from now.
Sounds about so, Daniele. I note that Elizabeth’s was in 1953, not when she became Queen 1952. In that case, I must have been 2 1/5 not 18 mths as thought above 💂
Long live the King! King Charles III comes to the throne at a very turbulent time.
Hopefully come the end of his reign he’ll be handing over a more settled, peaceful, less divided and happier nation.
Good luck to him, some tough times to lead us through.
god save the king.i think he will. i’ve been more than impressed with the way liz truss has spoken and conducted herself.
Hi Andy, whats also touching and nice to see is the uniting of the majority of British people at this time. The pageantry is grand and despite these supposedly anarchic, atheistic and individualistic times, Queen, King, Country, “God” and even the national anthem are coming alive in the people of Britain and across the world. Here in Australia we’ve just been given a nation public holiday 22 Sep as an official day of mourning by our government. Britain will do the Queen, the new King and its people proud. 🇦🇺 🇳🇿 🇬🇧 👑 King Charles III has his heart in… Read more »
We knew this time would come, but that doesn’t lessen the sadness. We say good bye to a rock, a pillar, a corner stone of Britain. God bless.
Glorious and dutiful until the end.
Rest easy Ma’am.
Long live the King
but he’s 72 and william the fourth may not be so far away.
He could serve as Monarch for 20-25 years. Hardly a short time.
She declared at 21, that she would spend her life in service of the country and commonwealth.
She did so, and then some…
The constant has gone from the country 😢
RIP your Majesty, it was an honour to wear the Uniform.
Long Live the King.🇬🇧
22 years in her majesteys royal navy and 24 years in her majesteys prison service, but i could never have acheived as much as our beloved queen.she’ll always be with us.
It upset me more than I thought it would. Perhaps because the Queen & my mother were both born in 1926. They were both ATS officers during WW2. A photo of my mother in uniform looked very similar to Princess Elizabeth in uniform. My mum died 22 years ago & without realising it, the Queen became a mother substitute. I think this is common for men my age. It is asad that we are losing that wartime generation. Godspeed.
Hi John. Similar story. My mum was also born in 1926. Dad served in the RAF. I saw the Queen with my son when she came to Durban in 1995 alongside Prince Philip and Douglas Hurd. She gave us a smile.
Fond memories
Hi John and Geoff
Same here my mother was born 1926 sergeant in ATS at end of war. She always stood up when the national anthem was played even in the living room
i tried to explain the reasons she was so special and why the monarch is so special.they hadn’t a clue what i was talking about. we said the lords prayer and sang the national anthem every morning at school, do they still do that?
her smile will last forever.
Indeed Andy
i’ve actually shed a tear for the first time in a long,long time.
Rest In Peace, Your Majesty.
Extraordinary woman and monarch; we’ll never see her like again.
even our ignorant, dimwitted national footballers will make an effort to sing the national anthem.
Despite current situation, my condolences for this loss
How are you?
It is strange to me that you like an iconic character so much!
How so? Will it be any different when the Ayatollah passes?
What has the queen done for you?
Asking that question shows how pointless it would be to even attempt to explain why to you. You either “get it” or you don’t. Sadly many of younger generations these days don’t. I’m heartened at this time to be on this site with so many who do, especially those who served.
As a representative of that younger generation Daniele, I have to sadly agree with you. I like to think that a decent proportion of my peers will grow out of it. God Save The King.
Hope so Daniel. I used to post on a certain fantasy football site. I don’t bother now, and when I looked in on there on the day of the Queens death to write a small tribute some of the replies were grotesque, and the overall divide 50 50 as to who had the sensitivity and respect to care and those who didn’t give a toss.
I acknowledge there are always exceptions, and respect to you as one of those.
God Save The King.
Which is more that can be said for many on hert who didn’t served or EVER GOT
NeTO.
Oh I like it DM, Well said. BZ. Pressure valve reset 😈🙌👌
She has been a superb Head of State for me and the entire nation. Who are you?
Sorry?
No one is nothing you just need to read the room.
Grow up this isn’t the time to act like a sad troll! Try, for once to have some respect!
The finest example of Service and Duty any of us will ever see. RIP Ma’am you will be forever in our hearts and thoughts.
I’m not really a royalist, considering them just food value for money as brings in the tourist, but was surprised how much it hit me when I heard the news. Really is a changing of an era. She did the country proud, through thick and thin.
always room in a democracy for opposing thoughts and views
A privilege to have served Her majesty – God bless Ma’am
Long Live the King
long indeed.
A sad day. Worth remembering that she was also a mother and grandmother, so my thoughts are really with her family at this time.
Considering that her son must now come out and make a public statement the day after his mother has died, which must be a very hard thing to do.