The Queen passed away at 96 years old.

_{Since 1953, the Queen had presided over our nation.}

It’s a sad and historic day. The Queen passed away at 96 years old, Queen Elizabeth II passed away. This evening, Buckingham Palace made the announcement. The palace released the following statement: “The Queen passed away peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and the Queen Consort will stay at Balmoral through this evening before departing for London the next day.

In 1953, Elizabeth—who was born in 1926—became the UK’s monarch. In addition to being the mother of Prince Charles, the grandmother of Princes William and Harry, and a fan of jazzy hats, she is credited with starting the tradition of the “royal walkabout,” which involves getting up close and personal with the crowds that have come to see her rather than keeping a safe distance. Her husband Prince Philip died in April 2021.

Whatever your opinion of the royal family, her passing is a turning point for our nation. Charles will be crowned as King in the following weeks, and our stamps and currency will be updated to feature our new king.

In ten days, on Saturday, September 17, an official “day of national sorrow,” her burial is likely to be held. Two thousand people will attend the service at Westminster Abbey, which will be followed by a march through the mall. It will be broadcast on large screens all around the city and nation.