The royal family is paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in the wake of her death, and the new king – her eldest son – is taking the lead. On Sept. 8, Buckingham Palace confirmed via a statement on its website that “the queen died peacefully at Balmoral,” just a few short hours after reports noted her family rushed to be by her side. The Queen’s death followed worries about her health, which were announced in a separate, earlier statement from the Palace that said “the queen’s doctors were concerned” for her.
Shortly after the Queen’s death, her son Charles, who has now acceded the throne as King Charles III, issued a statement via the Royal Family’s Instagram to pay tribute to the late monarch. “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” it read. “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”
The following day, Sept. 9, Charles gave a televised address to UK citizens – his first as king – speaking not only of his mother’s legacy but also about the future of the country. He then attended a service of thanksgiving for Queen Elizabeth II at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. During his speech, King Charles spoke about his mother’s “profound personal commitment” to her country, highlighting her “sacrifices” and “devotion.” He concluded his message, “Darling mama, as you begin your last great journey, to join my dear late papa, I want simply to say this: Thank you, thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all of these years. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
During her 70-years-long rule, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch achieved many milestones. Her legacy began when she was appointed to the throne in 1952 at 25 years old following the death of her father, King George VI. In her day, the Queen was head of the Commonwealth, which currently includes over 50 countries, and celebrated her achievements with her Silver, Golden, Diamond, Sapphire, and Platinum Jubilees.
Tributes for the Queen have poured in from Britain and celebrities all over. Read ahead to see how the royal family is mourning their loss.
Related: The Changes Queen Elizabeth II Implemented During Her 70-Year Long Reign
