She oversaw the last throes of the British empire, weathered global upheaval and domestic scandal, and dramatically modernized the monarchy. In a striking moment just after the official announcement was made, the heavy rain battering London stopped and a large double rainbow appeared over the palace.Įlizabeth ascended to the throne in 1952, on the death of her father, King George VI. In keeping with the royal tradition, a written statement announcing the Queen’s death was displayed on the gates of Buckingham Palace. Many brought flowers and lit candles, some looking visibly shaken by the news. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,” he said in the statement.Ĭrowds of mourners gathered outside Balmoral Castle and other royal residences, despite heavy downpours in parts of the UK on Thursday evening.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) Sean Gallup/Getty ImagesĮlizabeth II: The British Queen who weathered war and upheaval dies at 96 The Queen and Prince Philip are scheduled to visit Berlin, Frankfurt and the concentration camp memorial at Bergen-Belsen during their trip, which is their first to Germany since 2004. BERLIN, GERMANY - JUNE 24: Queen Elizabeth II arrives for the state banquet in her honour at Schloss Bellevue palace on the second of the royal couple's four-day visit to Germany on Jin Berlin, Germany.