Who was Queen Elizabeth II?
Queen Elizabeth II was the United Kingdom's (UK) longest-reigning [[monarch::The king or queen of a country.]]. She was born in 1926 and became the queen at the age of 26. She has four children, eight grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.
The Queen, however, didn’t rule over the UK as it is a democracy run by an elected government. She had other duties like charity work in the UK, giving important speeches, and advising the Prime Minister and other ministries as needed.
In 1947, she married Prince Philip of Greece and they were married for 73 years until Prince Philip died in 2021. Recently, Queen Elizabeth II passed away.
That’s very unfortunate. How did she die?
On 8th September 2022, Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at the age of 96 at the Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
The news of her death shocked everyone. After the Queen’s death was announced, the leaders of various nations, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed their [[condolences::An expression of sympathy shown on a person's death.]]. A funeral [[procession::A number of people or vehicles moving together from one place to another as a part of an event.]] will be held following her death.
How will the funeral procession be conducted?
The UK government launched "Operation Unicorn" immediately after Queen Elizabeth II's death. Under this, the 8th of September will be called "D-Day" with the next 10 days until the Queen's funeral referred to as D1, D2, D3, and so on.
The Queen's body will be taken to London's Buckingham Palace. The body will next be moved to Holyroodhouse, her palace in Edinburgh, Scotland. Later, her body will be taken to St. Giles Cathedral for a [[memorial::A ceremonial service that is held to remember someone who has passed away.]] ceremony.
After this, her body will be taken to London, where Prime Minister Liz Truss will receive it. On the tenth day of her death, her funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey.
Then the Queen will be laid to rest at the King George VI Memorial [[Chapel::small room or building where Christians gather to pray.]].
Who will become King or Queen of the UK after Queen Elizabeth II?
After Queen Elizabeth II died, her eldest son, Prince Charles, ascended to the throne. Prince Charles' official [[coronation::A ceremony in which someone is crowned as the king or queen.]] took place on 10th September 2022.
He will be referred to as King Charles III. The wife of King Charles III, Camilla, assumed the title of [[queen consort::A reigning king's wife.]]. We wish King Charles III all the best for his future as the king of the UK.
Quick Revision
Queen Elizabeth II was the UK’s longest-reigning monarch, born in 1926, became queen at 26, and served mainly in ceremonial and advisory roles.
She married Prince Philip in 1947 and was with him for 73 years.
She died peacefully on 8th September 2022 at Balmoral Castle, aged 96.
Her funeral followed “Operation Unicorn”, ending with her burial at the King George VI Memorial Chapel.
Her son Prince Charles became King Charles III, and Camilla became Queen Consort.
