On September 8th 2022, Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth Realms, died at the age of 96 surrounded by her family. She passed peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. 

The Queen governed for 70 years, earning her the accolade of being the longest reigning Monarch of the United Kingdom and the longest governing female head of state in the world. She first came to power after her father died in 1952, when she was only 25 years old. 

Her son, Charles III, will be the next King, being crowned at age 73. Before his official coronation, however, the funeral for Queen Elizabeth will take place. The Queen’s body is currently lying in state at Westminster Hall, where vigils are being held, and the British public is able to pay their respects to the Queen. 

Her funeral will then begin Monday, September 19 at 11 a.m. in the United Kingdom. 2,000 guests will attend the state funeral, including world leaders like United States President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as well as members of the royal family, including King Charles III and his wife, Queen Consort Camilla. 

During that time, a 2-minute moment of silence will be held across the United Kingdom, and London Heathrow airport will stop all flights for 15 minutes before and after the moment of silence. After, the Queen’s casket will be transported to St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. There, a smaller service for Windsor Estate staff, members of her family, and palace employees will be held. 

After one more stop, the Queen’s casket will arrive at the King George IV Memorial Chapel, where she will be laid to rest alongside her predeceased husband, Prince Philip.