BREAKING: Queen Elizabeth II Has Passed Away at the Age of 96

Queen Elizabeth II, who succeeded to the British throne at age 25, regarded Winston Churchill and ex-president Reagan as personal friends, and was the longest-reigning queen in the sovereign country’s history, has died. She was 96. 

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” the Royal Family said. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.” 

Queen Elizabeth II boosted national morale all through her life, particularly during the political and cultural upheaval. Early in her career, she functioned as a steady emblem after the turmoil accompanying her assumption of the kingdom in the 1950s. 

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s monarch for the past 70 years, has died aged 96 https://t.co/nuFdc3PV49

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) September 8, 2022

Throughout her reign, Her Majesty was active. The Queen visited 110 nations and was so well-received that significant landmarks, cities, and statues bear her name. She appeared in ceremonies, sports, coinage, and films and programs. Queen Elizabeth II was the third most loved woman in 2021. She was the only royal in the ranking. 

Queen Elizabeth II remarked in a 2019 Christmas broadcast that tiny steps, not big leaps, bring permanent change. 

Elizabeth was born to the Duke and Duchess of York in Mayfair, London, in 1926. Her father became King George VI after his brother abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson. During WWII, she was a driver and engineer for the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service. When she passed, she was the only surviving head of state to serve in the armed services. 

Elizabeth, at 21, was committed to serving the Commonwealth. “I can make my solemn act of dedication with a whole Empire listening. I should like to make that dedication now. It is very simple. I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong,” she said. In 2022, when Elizabeth became the first English queen to reign for 70 years, she reiterated that commitment. 

Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten in 1947. Philip and Elizabeth met at a royal wedding in 1934, but they didn’t fall in love until 1939, when she was 13, and he was 18. Elizabeth spotted the muscular cadet while touring Britain’s Royal Naval College with her parents. 

Elizabeth used ration coupons to buy her bridal dress fabrics during World War II. Royal advisors reportedly questioned Philip’s suitability. Elizabeth was smitten and wouldn’t listen. 

“We behave as though we had belonged to each other for years,” Elizabeth wrote in a letter to her mom and dad shortly after she was married. “Philip is an angel – he is so kind and thoughtful.’’ 

Philip’s death in 2021 ended their 73-year marriage. Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and Prince Charles are their offspring. 

During Elizabeth’s reign, more than 20 African and Caribbean countries gained independence from the British crown and established their own governments. A 17-year-old shot at Her Majesty from short range during Trooping the Colour in 1981. She was lauded for staying cool when facing death. 

As queen, she was well-liked for her strong sense of duty and refusal to get involved in politics. She was unknowable and courteous, but she rarely exhibited her emotions. Since childhood, her relatives dubbed her “Lilibet.” She loved horses and corgis, which were constants in the royal household. 

The queen was said to hate drama and never protest or explain scandals. Her Majesty gave a unique look into her feelings in 1992, as she began her fourth decade of rule and her family strife became public. 

Queen Elizabeth remained devoted to her duties until the end, but her public appearances decreased. She was the benefactor of more than 600 institutions and charities and remained active into her 90s, giving lectures. According to “The Queen at 90,” she wore bright colors and caps so crowds could recognize her. 

She’s one of the world’s most adored and respected queens. 

“When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future,” she said in the 2008 Christmas Broadcast.