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.

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 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.

 

George Allison
George Allison
George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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139 COMMENTS

    • 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 the strain of covid contributed to her passing. We shall all (save a few fervent republicans and rabid anti-colonialists) miss her. But this was, dare I say, an expected end to a long and graceful reign, and while certainly sad, the quiet dignity of her passing was in keeping with her life.

  5. 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…

  7. 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.

  8. 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

  9. 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.

  12. 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

  13. End of an era …. Never put a foot wrong in 75 yrs

    🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

  17. 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.

  21. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. Deep sympathy from the USA. She was a remarkable woman. She exemplified the British spirit and fortitude. May she Rest In Peace.

  25. 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.

  26. 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

  28. 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 🇬🇧🇦🇺🇨🇦🇹🇻🇬🇸🇵🇳🇳🇿🇲🇸🇫🇰🇫🇯

  29. 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.
    🇦🇺 🇳🇿 🇬🇧

  31. 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

  32. 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.

  33. In better news; Ukranian forces broke through Russian lines east of Kharkiv and advance elements are geolocated within 8k of the Oskil river.

  38. 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 only cream of.
    (Lets hope a UK concern can replicate Charles’ mother’s souvenir book i.e. to include printing here. Same for our ceramics industry, would be good The alternative allegory of our modern age can be foregone for once).
    Regards

  39. 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.

      • 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 the British people. I think he’ll do well as King. Best wishes to all in 🇬🇧 from 🇦🇺. We’ll be watching.

  40. 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.

  42. 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.🇬🇧

  43. 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.

        • 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.

  48. 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.

  50. 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.

  51. Hi folks,
    Sad for the nation and indeed the democratic free world.
    Many on here have expressed much of all of our thoughts. We now have a King, whom I’m sure will carry on her legacy.
    RIP your majesty.
    Cheers to all,
    George

  52. We all knew this day was coming and that no-one lives forever, but still you cannot believe she has left us. I am humbled and proud to have called this magnificent woman my queen. Her decency, unfaltering calmness, dignified behaviour and relentless public service are the utmost example of how all decent human beings should behave. She led by example, she portrayed everything that we like to think is British. I feel hollowed out and empty today, tears have been shed and a profound sense of loss hangs over me. There is a gaping void in this country now – one that we all, perhaps unfairly, expect Charles to fill. The coming days are going to be a journey that few of us prepared for and amongst this, there is a grieving family that have little chance to hide away and deal with their loss. Thank you ma’am, god bless you and God save the King.

  56. Terribly sad news, what a wonderful Queen she was. I wonder how much it is going to cost to replace all those cap badges, stable belts and colours which will need to have the Queen’s crown changed to the King’s crown?

  59. I hope that all the qualities the Queen exemplified; service, dedication, loyalty, steadfastness and constancy, now called old fashioned will make a comeback in this “Me, me, me, now, now now world we have created and are drowning in.
    God saved the Queen for his own, God save the King!

  60. She might have come from a highly privileged background but she became one of, if not the, most remarkable woman of our lifetimes, probably the most recognised person in the World and a wise ruler over us. A sad but inevitable loss but at least she did not appear to be in pain and was totally compos mentis to the end. I doubt that God will have any problem resting her soul in peace.

    Her passing does have positives. In particular it releases a new Prince of Wales, a man that I am sure will put his father’s considerable achievements in the shade. It will be interesting to see him put his mark on the Duchy of Cornwall.

    • Firstly your voice is not needed here, at this time, as HM the Queen did not support oppression and fascism, and secondly I see your mates in the disgusting peasant army are not doing very well at this time. Please do not contaminate this story of HM Queen Elizabeth II passing with the same fingers and keyboard you type your other dirty propaganda. God save the King!

  61. I had the great honour of serving HM the Queen for 15 years in the RNR. It’s hard to believe that HMS now means “His Majesty’s Ship” or variations thereof – in particular HMAS, HMCS and HMNZS. I hope that there will be an International Fleet Review to mark the Coronation of Charles III, in part to respect Prince Philip and the Queens love of the sea and the RN, and of course Charles’ was CO of a minesweeper in 1976.

    • That sounds like a very good idea. Sparked memories of old videos of Queens coronation there were reviews of all 3 services by new monarch. PS today especially Slava Ukraini.

  62. My wive just saw a new mural of the Queen post on Facebook – in Ukraine!

    Says a lot for the Queen if even the Ukrainian’s have time to paint a new mural at this time in their history. It was a beautiful picture…

    I hope such jestures bring solance to the Royal Family.

    ChariotRider

  63. I’ve not been in the forces andy.

    (Though I did get as far as an interview with 601 or 602 RAuxAF Sqn at Northolt!! 😆)

    CR is in a wheelchair and has also not been in the forces, obviously.

    So what’s your point and reasoning?Considering this is a website for anyone who cares enough regards military matters to discuss them.

    Do our opinions not count andy?

    • Hi Daniele,
      Just been browsing some of the recent posts, appears to be 2 slightly different ‘handles’ for @AR, not sure if they are the same poster if you read the general tone?

      • Hi mate.

        Oh, not spotted that. Mr Reeves has popped up often enough over the years, I admit sometimes I thought he was maybe slightly pissed!??!

        Two AR’s….hmmmm.

  66. Some news from Durban regarding Her Majesty.

    We went to the Annual Bagpipe festival at the(Royal) Durban Light Infantry HQ yesterday. The hall was packed with 500 people and the Pipe Major dedicated the event to the Queen. There was a minutes silence during which you could have heard the proverbial pin drop. After this they played the Piper’s Lament and then music from 3 Regimental Pipe Bands. At the end the convenor said that” Her Majesty would have approved” and proclaimed “God Save the King!”
    It was an incredibly moving occassion particularly considering most of the audience were probably 2nd and 3rd generation English speakers who have had no recent link with the Monarchy.
    I am not on Facebook but will ask my son to post some footage

    • Fascinating news. Thanks for sharing and all the best to the Royal Durban Light Infantry. I suspect that her Majesty’s qualities have global reach, which is something to celebrate.
      God bless you all.
      God Save the King.

  67. I swore my oath of allegiance in 1989 and faithfully fulfilled my duties for 32 years. In those intervening years I’ve been lucky enough to meet the Queen just the once, Prince Phillip twice, worked with both Harry and Will on several occasions, even Prince Andrew. But never (as was) Prince Charles. So, seeing the flag lower to half-mast over Buckingham Palace was to me gut, wrenching!

    The Queen to me was about continuity. Today might be bad, but tomorrow may be a better day! She always did this in her speeches, finishing on positivity, optimism and faith. The one occasion where I met her was following a parade, where we were presented new colours, after returning from Afghan. Normally you have a 1 or 2 star presenting the new colour. They do their bit, bugger off to the O-club, for a few minutes then foxtrot oscar. The Queen was very different.

    We were in a small group in the mess, each sipping at a cup of tea, making small talk. One of the lads made a bawdy joke. But then we heard some laughter, turned around and there was the Queen. Her entourage were all either angry or embarrassed. But she wanted to know more. Being a junior, he didn’t hold back. But the Queen non-plussed started asking questions. So, we all had to answer! She was with us for a good half an hour chewing the fat. Asking what we did in Afghan and future plans. I said I was going back in a fortnight. She looked me straight in the eye and told me to come home safe. All I said was, yes Ma’am! I was too shocked to say anything else.

    Now I have recently left the service and fondly look back on that memory. That second tour was really hard, we lost a few lads. But I kept to my word and tried my best at keeping it for others.

    The Queen will be soundly missed. The King will have very big shoes to fill. But I am sure he will do well. Ma’am it was an honour to serve you, Rest Easy!

    • DaveyB,

      Bravo Zulu on your reminiscence; helps humanize royalty for non-residents.

      The US does ceremony well, but have to admit that you Brits are truly in a league of your own. Extremely impressive state funeral ceremony; don’t know when, if ever, there will be a rival event.

      Best wishes to all on the reign of King Charles III.

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