Yesterday, the palace announced that Britain’s monarch “died peacefully at Balmoral [yesterday] afternoon”. She is Britain’s oldest monarch with the longest reign, as she served for 70 years. She set this new record back in 2007, by surpassing her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria – who died at 81 years old – counting a 63-year reign. Further, Queen Elizabeth II is the world’s second-longest monarch, the first being Louis XIV of France who served for 72 years.
The monarch’s seven-decade long reign witnessed great changes, notably in terms of technology, industry, social and economic development. On top of reigning over England and the United Kingdom, she also ruled over the Commonwealth. The latter was initially instated so as to keep countries part of the British Empire together. It still gathers 56 “independent and equal” countries as of today. Queen Elizabeth’s successor Prince Charles is hence to rule over the state of the UK and 14 other countries, named as Commonwealth realms.
Many world leaders have expressed their condolences following the Queen’s death, including Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa. Through a social media post, they shared their sorrow and added that Queen Elizabeth II was “a faithful friend of the Grand Ducal Family”. The British ambassador in Luxembourg also expressed that “Her Majesty will be remembered for her dedicated service at home, across the Commonwealth and throughout the world”.
Prince Charles, the monarch’s son, declared The Royal Family “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”. It now falls to Prince Charles to take over the Queen’s duties: it was Elizabeth’s “sincere wish” to be succeeded by her son. In other words, Charles automatically became King Charles III following his mother’s death.
King Charles III’s power succession promises to bring a set of changes, notably within the Commonwealth as some members wish to become independent. It could yet be months before the new King’s crowning ceremony occurs.
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