Today, Buckingham Palace and the Royal Family stated in a media release that Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral castle in Scotland this afternoon.
She was the longest reigning British monarch, sitting on the throne from 1952 to 2022.
Earlier today it was announced that she was ill but comfortable at Balmoral where she spent her summer.
Her children Charles the Prince of Wales, Anne the Princess Royal, Prince Andrew the Duke of York and Prince Edward the Earl of Wessex were with her at the castle.
The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
Her late husband, Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinbrugh passed away peacefully of old age in April 2021.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow,” said the Palace.
The last time she was in BC on an official visit was in 2002 when she was celebrating her Golden Jubilee (50 years reigning).
In BC, she and Prince Phillip visited Victoria, where The Queen unveiled a stained-glass window in the BC Parliament Buildings. She also dropped the puck at an NHL exhibition game in Vancouver.
It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 8, 2022
Her death immediately triggered an intricate plan to crown her heir, Prince Charles, and prepare for her funeral, which is expected to draw world leaders from Canada and many other countries, both in and outside the Commonwealth.
A statement from His Majesty The King: pic.twitter.com/AnBiyZCher
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
Buckingham Palace said The Queen devoted her reign to a wide range of issues including opportunities for young people, preservation of wildlife, and the environment.
The City of Victoria said it would be lowering all Canadian flag to half-mast at all city facilities to mark the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.
It will remain at half-mast until sunset on the day of the funeral and memorial service.
The Canadian flag will be flown at half-mast on all City facilities until further notice to mark the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. The flag will remain at half-mast until sunset on the day of the funeral and memorial service. pic.twitter.com/hwjCJ5xdCh
— City of Victoria (@CityOfVictoria) September 8, 2022
