Queen Elizabeth II was the second-longest reigning monarch in history, after France’s Louis XIV.
New Delhi:
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, who was the second-longest reigning monarch in history, after France’s Louis XIV, died yesterday at the age of 96. Several leaders across the world have issued statements paying tribute to her.
She died peacefully at her estate in Balmoral, Scotland , according to a statement from Buckingham Palace.
Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest son, Charles, succeeds as king immediately, according to centuries of protocol, beginning a new, less certain chapter for the royal family after the queen’s record-breaking 70-year reign.
“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,” King Charles said in a statement.
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After Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin returns to London, she will “lie in state” in Westminster Hall for about four days before her funeral, BBC reported. This would allow members of the public to file past.
The grand hall is the oldest part of the Palace of Westminster, at the heart of British government. The last member of the Royal Family to lie in state in the hall was the Queen Mother in 2002.
My deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom, and the peoples of the Commonwealth upon the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was an inspiration to many Americans, and through her leadership forged an even deeper U.S.-UK Alliance.
– Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) September 9, 2022
US President Joe Biden ordered flags at the White House and other federal buildings to be lowered to half-staff Thursday “as a mark of respect” for Britain’s late Queen Elizabeth II.
Flags will also be lowered on US Navy vessels, at military posts and naval stations, and at all American embassies and other facilities abroad, a proclamation from the White House said.
The death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II is a “great loss” for the entire world, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Friday.
“The death of the queen, who led Britain through turbulent times in the world, is a great loss not only for the British people but also the international community,” he told reporters.
Kishida praised the queen’s “extremely important role in world peace and stability,” saying she “contributed greatly to the strengthening of Japan-UK relations”.