The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon, the royal family announced, plunging the nation into mourning. Her son, the Prince of Wales, automatically succeeds her, becoming king and ruling the United Kingdom and over a dozen Commonwealth nations. A statement from the royal family said the king and queen would remain at Balmoral this afternoon and return to London tomorrow. Earlier, members of the royal family rushed to her bedside at Balmoral Castle after doctors became concerned about her health. The Queen, 96, was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, having reigned for 70 years. Flags on Downing Street were lowered to half-mast at 6.36pm. A period of national mourning begins as tributes pour in from around the world, hailing the Queen’s commitment to serving her country and the Commonwealth.
Basic points
Show latest update 1662659985
The Queen’s coffin will lie in state to let people pay their respects
The Queen’s coffin will lie in state to allow the public to pay their last respects. Lying in state is usually reserved for sovereigns, current or former queen consorts, and sometimes former prime ministers. During the official ceremony, the closed casket is placed in the vast, medieval Westminster Hall in the Palace of Westminster. The historic spectacle is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of people. The Queen’s death in Scotland means there could be a second stateside, most likely at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, which would allow the public to honor the monarch. In the days leading up to the funeral, members of the public will slowly file past to pay their respects in somber silence. For a royal lying in state, the coffin is draped with a royal flag, usually a personal standard, and rests on a catafalque—a raised platform covered with a purple cloth, flanked by a 24-hour military guard. A priceless crown and other regalia are traditionally placed on top of a sovereign’s coffin. Jane Dalton September 8, 2022 6:59 p.m 1662659723
Palace flags at half-mast
Flags are flying at half mast at Buckingham Palace. Flags fly at half-mast at Buckingham Palace after the Queen’s death Jane Dalton September 8, 2022 6:55 p.m 1662659657
Statement pinned to the palace
An official statement confirming the Queen’s death was displayed outside Buckingham Palace. BBC One played the national anthem after the announcement, showing a photo of the Queen, followed by a royal crest on a black background and the words Queen Elizabeth II. Official statement confirming Queen’s death displayed outside Buckingham Palace Jane Dalton September 8, 2022 6:54 p.m 1662659372
The Royal website is unavailable during the changeover
The official website of the royal family now carries the message: “Queen Elizabeth II 1926 – 2022”, along with the official statement issued by Buckingham Palace. A statement on the website reads: “The official website of the Royal Family is temporarily unavailable while appropriate changes are made.” Jane Dalton September 8, 2022 6:49 p.m 1662659285
Palace statement
This is the full statement from Buckingham Palace following the Queen’s death. “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. “The King and Queen will remain at Balmoral this evening and return to London tomorrow.” Jane Dalton September 8, 2022 6:48 p.m 1662658812
“It’s going to be a disaster,” says Windsor Castle visitor
Fran Chappell, a 56-year-old nursery teacher from Weston-Super-Mare, was visiting Windsor Castle for the first time and described the “surreal” moment of walking out of the building to see news cameras gathered outside. “I thought it was about us,” her partner joked, before Ms Chappelle told The Independent’s Andy Gregory: “Obviously with Harry and Meghan in the country, I thought maybe it was about them actually, but then apparently I found out it was no, it has to do with the queen.’ “It’s really sad. I hope things are OK and I hope he lasts a little longer, but it will be a disaster if he goes,” Ms Chappell added. “She was just steady, wasn’t she? He’s done well for the country, I think, it’s very sad if he goes… I think it’s something the country doesn’t need at the moment, with a new prime minister, and with that it’s another blow. I think a lot of people will be devastated if something happens.” Saying the monarchy “means a lot” to her, she suggested William and Harry should make the royals look “more approachable” and “not so indifferent”, adding that the older brother hugs the England women’s soccer team after their victory on Euro: I just think it’s amazing. I think it shows that really, you know, we’re all the same.” Asked if she believed the future of the royals was in safe hands, Ms Chappell said: “Yes, I do. With Charles and with William. Yes definitely. Things may be different, we don’t know how – we’ll have to wait and see.” Aisha Rimi September 8, 2022 6:40 p.m 1662658469
Breaking news: The Queen is dying
The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon, the royal family announced. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and return to London tomorrow, a statement said. Jane Dalton September 8, 2022 6:34 p.m 1662658212
Watch: London Mayor Sadiq Khan wishes the Queen a speedy recovery
London Mayor Sadiq Khan wishes the Queen a speedy recovery Aisha Rimi8 September 2022 18:30 1662657612
Prince Harry goes to Balmoral while Meghan stays in London
Prince Harry is heading to Balmoral to see the Queen after doctors said they are worried about her health, but Meghan Markle will not be going with him. The Duchess of Sussex is not traveling to Balmoral with the Duke of Sussex, with Harry making the trip alone, sources said. It was initially reported that the couple would be heading to see the Queen together after their spokesman said they would be “traveling to Scotland” following news of Her Majesty’s health. Maryam Zakir-Hussain has the full story:
Prince Harry heads to Balmoral to see Queen – but Meghan Markle stays in London
Prince Charles and other members of the royal family are by her side at the royal residence in Scotland Aisha Rimi September 8, 2022 18:20 1662657012
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ‘wishes the Queen’
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he joins Canadians across the country in wishing the Queen well. He tweeted: “My thoughts, and the thoughts of Canadians across the country, are with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II right now. We wish her well and send our best to the Royal Family.” Aisha Rimi September 8, 2022 6:10 p.m
