Queen Elizabeth, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, has died at age 96. The cause of death has not been announced. The Queen had been hospitalized with a chest infection but was released just days before her end. She strove to modernize the monarchy while also maintaining its traditions.
Elizabeth ascended to the British throne in 1952 and was crowned Queen of England nine years later when her father, George VI, died. She reigned for more than 63 years as Queen and head of state until her death. She became Britain’s longest reigning monarch after Queen Victoria died in 1901 at age 81. Elizabeth was also second only to Victoria when it came to time spent ruling as Queen or queen consort: Victoria ruled for 63 years and 163 days; Elizabeth ruled for 64 years and 97 days — a difference of fewer than two months.
In 2021, many speculated that the Queen would be replaced by her son, Prince Charles. However, due to some recent health concerns for English monarchs, there was a chance that either he or his son could have been crowned before Queen Elizabeth passed away.
The Royal Family has kept a low profile in recent months due to the Queen’s waning health and growing tensions between the United Kingdom and the United States. The stress of this tension has been affecting Queen Elizabeth II’s health. Though she is known for her longevity and strength, the Queen was not well. A source close to Buckingham Palace revealed that “she was still sick,” adding that.
This time it’s not just a cold or flu.
The Queen has cared for herself at Balmoral Castle since late August, but she hadn’t fully recovered from her illness. It was reported last year that the 96-year-old monarch would be stepping down from public events after suffering from several bouts of bronchitis over recent months.
Details regarding the Queen’s death are currently unknown, but she is expected to be succeeded by her eldest son Prince Charles.
It is expected that the 30-day mourning period will begin immediately and that a successor will be announced within the next few days.
Written by Omari Jahi
Edited by Sheena Robertson
Sources:
The New Your Times: Queen Elizabeth II Dies at 96; Was Britain’s Longest-Reigning Monarch by Alan Cowell
ABC News: Queen Elizabeth live updates: Queen dies at 96 by Morgan Winsor,Katie Kindelan, andZoe Magee
USA Today: Queen Elizabeth II dies at 96; Prince Charles takes the throne as king by Maria Puente and Jeff Stinson
Top & Feature Inset Image Courtesy of Commonwealth Secretariat Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of Dan Marsh Flickr Creative Commons License
Second Inset Image Courtesy of Sandy Stevenson Flickr Creative Commons License
