The longest reigning monarch in the history of the United Kingdom has died. Queen Elizabeth passed away at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. She was surrounded by her immediate family.
Elizabeth II first took the throne in 1952. She was also Queen of 14 other Commonwealth countries. Her son, Charles, is now the King of England.
The government is in the process of executing a series of steps to honor the Queen across the U.K. This includes lowering all flags at half mast within 10 minutes of the official announcement. The plan is known as “London Bridge is down” and will involve the coordination of numerous public and private organizations.
The Queen led the country’s monarchy for over 70 years. She worked with 13 U.S. presidents and 14 British Prime Ministers.
Insiders report that the Queen had been planning her eventual succession for some time and that Charles has been taking on more royal responsibilities as of late.
As King, Charles will also inherit the Queen’s vast properties and holdings.
The Queen announced her intention to have her son take over the throne back in 2018.
“It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations, and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949,” she said after he was unanimously voted to be the next head.
More details to come in the days ahead.
