09/09/2022
Queen Elizabeth II, who served as the monarch of the United Kingdom and several other Commonwealth nations for 70 years, has passed away at age 96. Her death comes one year after the passing of her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who died at age 99 in 2021.
Elizabeth ascended to the throne in 1952 at the age of 25 after the death of her father, King George VI. Her coronation was held at Westminster Abbey in June 1953. Elizabeth is the longest-reigning monarch in British history, surpassing Queen Victoria’s 1837-1901 reign by approx 7 years. In Feb 2022, she rang in her Platinum Jubilee, celebrating seven decades of 'her service to the Commonwealth.'
Elizabeth's health began declining earlier this year, forcing her to miss multiple royal events, including parts of her own Platinum Jubilee. A longtime royal reporter stated she had been having trouble walking and standing for long periods of time. While meeting members of the military at Windsor Castle in February, Elizabeth said: 'As you can see, I can't move.'
She is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. Her son Prince Charles, 73, is her heir apparent, and her grandson Prince William is now second in line to the throne.
