On Thursday Sept. 8, 2022 Queen Elizabeth II died surrounded by her family in her Scottish home, Balmoral Castle. Earlier today Buckingham Palace put out an announcement reading, “Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral”.

She took over the throne after the death of her father, King George VI, in 1952, and was crowned the following year. She celebrated her Platinum Jubilee on Feb. 6 earlier this year, marking 70 years of the throne. While she had no real political power, she was a national symbol and figurehead, featured on currency in at least 33 countries.

Her son Charles, 73, is the new monarch of the United Kingdom, and the first king in 70 years.

Following her death, the English government put into effect Operation London Bridge, a series of events that notified the royal family, the governments where the queen was head of state, the media and the public. Protocols to remain respectful following her death were set to begin, like the BBC logo changing to black and flags being flown half-mast.