Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on 8 September 2022. She was 96 and had been Queen for more than 70 years.

Earlier that day, Buckingham Palace issued an unusual statement saying that the Queen’s doctors were concerned for her health and had recommended that she remain under medical supervision. She was described as comfortable and remained at Balmoral.

Members of the Royal Family travelled to Scotland as concern about her condition became public. Later, Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen had died peacefully that afternoon.

Elizabeth became Queen on 6 February 1952 following the death of her father, George VI. By 2022, she had reigned longer than any previous British monarch. She had celebrated her Platinum Jubilee earlier that year.

Her death ended the reign immediately. Under the rules of succession, there was no interval without a monarch. Her eldest son Charles became king at the moment of her death, although the formal Accession Council followed later.

Flags at royal residences were lowered to half-mast, and arrangements for national mourning began.

Elizabeth II had been Britain’s monarch under 15 prime ministers, from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss. The Queen had appointed Truss at Balmoral only two days before her death.

On 8 September, Elizabeth II’s reign ended, and Charles III’s began.