Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth II passed away shortly after she was placed under medical supervision. Just two days ago, the queen made her last appearance to announce Liz Truss as the United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister. Queen Elizabeth II was on the throne for 70 years, making her the longest-reigning monarch in Britain’s history.

QUEEN’S DEATH ANNOUNCED

The shocking news was announced Thursday evening on Twitter, following her medical supervision where experts expressed concern for her health. The announcement read, “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.” The announcement was followed by a statement from King Charles III through the same Twitter account. 

In her address to the United Kingdom and the wider public, newly elected Prime Minister Liz Truss said the queen’s death was “a huge shock to the nation and to the world.” Truss was present for the queen’s last public appearance in Balmoral. 

PERIOD OF MOURNING

Following the death of the queen, the country will begin a 10-day period of mourning. Flags that are on royal grounds, government buildings and military institutions will be flown at half-mast. The queen’s coffin will lie in state at Westminster Hall three days ahead of her funeral, which is expected to take place in Westminster Abbey. Her funeral, which will be the same day as the King’s coronation, will become a national holiday. Schools and jobs will be expected to close for the funeral. World leaders will arrive in the United Kingdom for the funeral. 

Upon the death of the queen Prince Charles officially became King Charles III, the monarch of the country. On the third day of the mourning period, the king will begin a tour within the four home nations in the United Kingdom — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.