Heartbroken Britain: Huge crowds gather at the gates of Buckingham Palace after Queen Elizabeth II died 'peacefully' at Balmoral aged 96, plunging the world into mourning - as Charles becomes the new King
- The death of Queen Elizabeth II is announced at the age of 96, ending the longest reign of any British monarch
- Doctors became concerned about her health today - with her children and grandchildren racing to Balmoral
- World joins Britain in mourning, and celebrating, devoted sovereign who ruled the country for 70 years
- Queen's son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, becomes King and is expected to address the nation shortly
- Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary became Queen on Feb 6 1952 aged just 25, when her father George VI died
- Her reign spanned 15 British Prime Ministers from Sir Winston Churchill to Liz Truss and 14 US Presidents
- And on September 9, 2015, she became longest-reigning British monarch, surpassing Queen Victoria's record
- Queen dies aged 96: Follow for the latest updates from Balmoral as Britain's Elizabeth II passes
- Full coverage: Click here to see all our coverage of the Queen’s passing
By JAMES ROBINSON and MARTIN ROBINSON CHIEF REPORTER FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 06:19 AEST, 9 September 2022 | UPDATED: 06:46 AEST, 9 September 2022
Britain is today a country in mourning after the death of beloved Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
The country's longest reigning Monarch died 'peacefully today, aged 96, at the Balmoral Estate, surrounded by her family.
Her death sparked an immediate and huge outpouring of emotion, with thousands of mourners gathering outside the gates of Buckingham Palace this evening.
Others laid flowers outside Windsor Castle - where The Queen had spent much of her time following the death of her beloved husband, Prince Philip, in April last year.
Her son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, is now King Charles III, as Britain, and the world, grieves his mother.
All Her Majesty's children had rushed to Balmoral today after doctors became 'concerned' for her health. Hours later she died.
At 6.30pm her death was confirmed. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: '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'.
The Queen's death will see Britain and her Commonwealth realms enter into a ten-day period of mourning as millions of her subjects in the UK and abroad come to terms with her passing. Her coffin will be moved to London on the royal train via Edinburgh before she lies in state in Westminster Hall in the Houses of Parliament for four days. Hundreds of thousands of people will be able to pay their respects.
The state funeral is expected take place at Westminster Abbey in central London on Monday, September 19, which will be attended by her bereft family as well as 2,000 heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals and key figures from public life around the globe.
And as her son accedes to the throne, there will also be a celebration of her historic 70-year reign that saw her reach her Platinum Jubilee this year - a landmark unlikely to be reached again by a British monarch.
Charles, who will reign as King Charles III, said today: 'The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.
'We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
'During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.'
Tributes are already pouring in for Her Majesty, to many the greatest Briton in history and undoubtedly the most famous woman on earth. To billions around the world she was the very face of Britishness.
Liz Truss hailed the Queen, who appointed her as the 15th Prime Minister of her reign on Tuesday, said: 'Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built. Our country has grown and flourished under her reign. Britain is the great country it is today because of her.'
US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said the Queen was 'more than a monarch' and that she 'defined an era'. A White House statement said: 'In a world of constant change, she was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her. She, in turn, dedicated her whole life to their service'.
To her subjects at home, Her Majesty was the nation's anchor, holding firm no matter what storm she or her country was facing - from the uncertain aftermath of the Second World War to, more recently, the pandemic. She was also steadfast as she dealt with tragedies and scandals in her own family, most recently the fallout from Megxit and the death of her beloved husband Prince Philip.
Charles will embark on a tour of the UK before his mother's funeral with his wife Camilla, who the Queen announced would be crowned her eldest son's Queen Consort in an historic statement to mark Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee and 70 years on the throne on February 6.
The Queen's passing came more than a year after that of her beloved husband Philip, her 'strength and guide', who died aged 99 in April 2021. Since his funeral, where she poignantly sat alone because of lockdown restrictions, her own health faltered, and she was forced to miss an increasing number of events mainly due to 'mobility problems' and tiredness.
In July she travelled to Scotland for her annual summer break, but cancelled her traditional welcome to Balmoral Castle in favour of a small more private event because of her health, believed to be linked to her ability to stand. And at the end of July, Prince Charles represented his mother and opened the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham with the Duchess of Cornwall. In late August Queen missed the Braemar Gathering - the first time she was not at the Highland Games in her 70-year reign.
But she was well enough to meet with Boris Johnson at Balmoral to accept his resignation, before asking the 15th Prime Minister of her reign, Liz Truss, to form a Government. Her Majesty, who stood with the support of a stick and smiled as she greeted Ms Truss in front of a roaring fire, had not been seen in public for two months. It would be her final picture.
Today all her children and Prince William flew into Scotland from all over the UK to get to Her Majesty's bedside before she died. Prince Harry did not travel to Scotland from Windsor with his family - and Meghan Markle stayed at Frogmore Cottage. But he did not make it to Balmoral in time and landed in Aberdeen around 15 minutes after the death of his grandmother was announced. He arrived at the castle just before 8pm to join his father, brother and other mourners.
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All Her Majesty's children had rushed to Balmoral today after doctors became 'concerned' for her health. Hours later she died, surrounded by her family. Pictured: The death of The Queen was announced at 6.30pm today via the Royal Family's official Twitter account
The country's longest reigning Monarch died 'peacefully today, aged 96, at the Balmoral Estate, surrounded by her family. Her death sparked an immediate and huge outpouring of emotion, with thousands of mourners gathering outside the gates of Buckingham Palace this evening (pictured)
People react as they gather outside Buckingham Palace in central London after it was announced that Queen Elizabeth II has died
People react outside the Buckingham Palace, after Queen Elizabeth, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and the nation's figurehead for seven decades, died aged 96
A woman lays flowers outside Buckingham Palace today following the announcement that the Queen has died, at the age of 96
Taxies lined up on The Mall in central London, following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II
Thousands of mourners have gathered outside Buckingham Palace evening to pay respect to The Queen, following her death at the age of 96
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Her Majesty the Queen - Britain's longest-reigning monarch - has died peacefully at Balmoral aged 96. Her son Charles, is now king. He will remain at Balmoral tonight before returning to London with the Queen Consort, Camilla
King Charles III released this poignant statement reacting to the death of his 'beloved mother' as he took the throne today
The Queen welcomes Liz Truss during an audience where she invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative party to become Prime Minister and form a new government on Tuesday. It would be the final photo of the monarch, who did her duty to the end
The Queen poses for a photograph in the drawing room at Balmoral shortly before her meeting with Ms Truss, whom she appointed as her Prime Minister
Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign is unlikely to ever be surpassed by another king or queen of England
It began when Princess Elizabeth was formally proclaimed Queen on February 8, 1952. She was crowned in Westminster Abbey (pictured) on June 2, 1953 - by coincidence the same day a joyous nation learned a Commonwealth team had conquered Mount Everest
Prince Charles boards a helicopter from Dumfries House as all the Queen's children gathered at her bedside after a warning from doctors about her health. Hours later he would be king
Prince William drives Prince Andrew, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Prince Edward into Balmoral
Prince Harry arrives at Balmoral alone this evening. His grandmother's death was announced while he was in the air on a private jet to Aberdeen
Queen Elizabeth book of condolence
Here we are offering our readers the opportunity to record their own personal reflections of the Queen and her remarkable life by leaving an entry in our digital book of condolence.
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Liz Truss stepped out of No 10 and to the podium on Downing Street at 7.07pm, dressed in black, to address the nation following the Queen's death.
Ms Truss was appointed as Prime Minister by the Queen at Balmoral only two days ago.
She said: 'We are all devastated by the news that we have just heard from Balmoral. The death of Her Majesty the Queen is a huge shock to the nation and to the world.'
Liz Truss then revealed that the new King would be Charles III. There had been suggestions he might rule as King George VII, using one of his middle names.
She said: 'It's an extraordinary achievement to have presided with such dignity and grace for 70 years. Her life of service stretched beyond most of our living memories.
'In return she was loved and admired by the people in the United Kingdom and all around the world.
'She has been a personal inspiration to me and to many Britons - her devotion to duty is an example to us all.'
Liz Truss said: 'Earlier this week at 96, she remained determined to carry out her duties as she appointed me as her 15th Prime Minister.
'Throughout her life she's visited more than 100 countries and she's touched the lives of millions around the world.
'In the difficult days ahead we will come together with our friends across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world to celebrate her extraordinary lifetime of service.
'It is a day of great loss but Queen Elizabeth II leaves a great legacy.'
The Archbishop of Canterbury has said his 'prayers are with the King and the royal family' as he mourns the death of the Queen, whose 'steadfast loyalty, service and humility has helped us make sense of who we are'.
'As we grieve together, we know that, in losing our beloved Queen, we have lost the person whose steadfast loyalty, service and humility has helped us make sense of who we are through decades of extraordinary change in our world, nation and society,' Justin Welby said in a statement.
'As we sustain one another in the face of this challenge, our shared grieving will also be a work of shared re-imagining. I pray that we commence this journey with a sense of Her late Majesty's faith and confidence in the future.
'In the late Queen's life, we saw what it means to receive the gift of life we have been given by God and - through patient, humble, selfless service - share it as a gift to others.
'The late Queen leaves behind a truly extraordinary legacy: one that is found in almost every corner of our national life, as well as the lives of so many nations around the world, and especially in the Commonwealth.
'It was my great privilege to meet her late Majesty on many occasions. Her clarity of thinking, capacity for careful listening, inquiring mind, humour, remarkable memory and extraordinary kindness invariably left me conscious of the blessing that she has been to us all.'
The official announcement of the Queen's passing was displayed on the gates of Buckingham Palace this evening
Prince William led the way off the plane (circled left) followed by Edward and Sophie (pictured centre) and finally Prince Andrew (pictured right) as they raced to Balmoral
One of the Royal Family's helicopters landed at Balmoral this morning, believed to be carrying Prince Charles and Camilla. All the Queen's children rushed to be there
Catherine, Duchess Of Cambridge, leaves Windsor Castle as she stayed behind in England where her three children are having their first day at school
A statement about the Queen's health is exceptionally rare and raises major concerns. She died hours later
The Queen arrives at Balmoral Castle for the start of her summer break on July 21
The Queen is seen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at the end of the Platinum Jubilee pageant in June with her son Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
Queen Elizabeth II stands as Prince Louis covers his ears on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping the Colour ceremony at Horse Guards Parade on June 2, 2022
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Former prime minister Boris Johnson said the death of the Queen would leave a 'void' and 'this is our country's saddest day'.
'As is so natural with human beings, it is only when we face the reality of our loss that we truly understand what has gone,' he said.
'It is only really now that we grasp how much she meant for us, how much she did for us, how much she loved us.
'As we think of the void she leaves, we understand the vital role she played, selflessly and calmly embodying the continuity and unity of our country.
'We think of her deep wisdom, and historic understanding, and her seemingly inexhaustible but understated sense of duty.
'Relentless though her diary must have felt, she never once let it show, and to tens of thousands of events - great and small - she brought her smile and her warmth and her gentle humour - and for an unrivalled 70 years she spread that magic around her kingdom.
'This is our country's saddest day because she had a unique and simple power to make us happy. That is why we loved her.
'That is why we grieve for Elizabeth the Great, the longest serving and in many ways the finest monarch in our history.'
The then Princess Elizabeth is seen above left posing in a ballet outfit in 1932, and right making her first Christmas broadcast in 1952
Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in an official wedding photograph taken on their wedding day in 1947
Princess Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during their honeymoon in Malta in 1947
Queen Elizabeth II and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh walk at Broadlands in this picture released on November 18, 2007
April 17, 2021: Queen Elizabeth II during the funeral of her husband the Duke of Edinburgh at St George's Chapel in Windsor
The Queen beams as she visits the Royal College of Physicians in London in 2018. Her Majesty carried out hundreds of engagements every year until her health began to fail
The Queen and her husband Prince Philip laugh together as they welcome Poland's then president Alexandre Kwasniewski and his wife Jolanta Kwasniewska
In June Her Majesty missed every day of Royal Ascot for the first time since her coronation in 1953. A month earlier she was forced to miss the State Opening of Parliament for the first time in 59 years, due to what her spokesman described as 'episodic mobility problems' which they said she was continuing to experience.
But despite her frailty, she continued to receive her daily Red Box from Downing Street containing Government paperwork to read and sign and continued engagements to the end – most significantly with the memorial service for her late husband at Westminster Abbey at the end of March and her appearances over the course of her Platinum Jubilee weekend in early June.
Before Her Majesty's death, the past two years had been hugely challenging and upsetting for the ageing monarch. She was forced to cut adrift Prince Andrew, reputedly her favourite son, after he initially fought then settled a civil case with Virginia Roberts Giuffre for up to £12million. Ms Giuffre, a sex slave of Jeffrey Epstein, accused the Duke of York of sexually abusing her. His mother stripped him of his titles - but there was a show of support weeks later when he was with her from start to finish at Philip's Westminster Abbey memorial service.
And there was continuing grief for the Queen because of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to quit as frontline royals - and the soap opera this brought with it - including the public rift with Charles and Prince William. She was however able to meet their daughter Lilibet - who was named after her with the nickname used by George VI and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh - when the family came to the UK for the Platinum Jubilee in June but barely took part.
However, as the Jubilee celebrations kicked off with Trooping the Colour, the Queen delighted tens of thousands of Britons who had packed The Mall by appearing twice on the Buckingham Palace balcony with senior members of her family, including Prince Charles, Prince William and Kate Middleton.
She then headed to Windsor to symbolically light the first in a chain of beacons stretching around the UK and across the world, brushing off previously announced 'discomfort' that forced her to miss the next day's Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral.
And Her Majesty shocked even members of her own family by appearing alongside Paddington Bear in a sketch to kick off the Platinum Party at the Palace gig on June 3.
On the last day of the Jubilee celebrations, after a majestic pageant depicting every decade of Her Majesty's reign had processed a long a two-mile route, the Queen appeared for a final time on the Buckingham Palace balcony, delighting the millions watching on in person and on TV.
The Queen undergoes training as a Second Subaltern Elizabeth Windsor in the Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1945
The Queen smiles as she leaves for Kenya on 31 January 1952, pictured left, but looks sombre as she returns home following the death of her father, right
February 1952: Princess Elizabeth and Philip in Kenya in the gardens of the Sagana Lodge, which she was given as a wedding present, on the day before he told her her father, George VI, was dead
Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip with their two children Prince Charles and Princess Anne in 1951
The Queen is photographed on June 2, 1953 smiling after her Coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London
A photo at Buckingham Palace to mark the engagement of Princess Elizabeth (later the Queen) and Philip Mountbatten (later Duke of Edinburgh) in July 1947, with Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, King George VI and Princess Margaret
Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen Elizabeth II conversing with her father, King George VI in a garden on July 8, 1946
Elizabeth, the first child of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, is pictured in 1942 with her parents, and sister Margaret
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother with Princess Margaret and Elizabeth at Windsor Castle in June 1936
Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) with her daughters Princess (later Queen) Elizabeth and Princess Margaret in an undated shot (left); and (right) the two sisters pose in their Brownie uniforms in a shot from the 1930s
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh travel on the new Eurostar train between England and France on May 6, 1994
The Queen poses with former prime ministers (left to right) James Callaghan, Alec Douglas-Home, Margaret Thatcher, Harold MacMillan and Edward Heath with Queen Elizabeth II at 10 Downing Street on December 11, 1985
Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to the Red Cross headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, in May 1980
Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother celebrates her 80th birthday in the company of Queen Elizabeth II on August 4, 1980
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh wear safety glasses at University College Hospital London on May 27, 2012
The Queen and Prince Philip wave as they leave Westminster Abbey after Prince William and Kate's wedding in April 2011
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As Charles put it on her 80th birthday, his beloved 'mama' had been 'a figure of reassuring calm and dependability – an example to so many of service, duty and devotion, in a world of sometimes bewildering change and disorientation'. As king his reign begins at a time where the monarchy will be destablised by his mother's death after her seven decades on the throne. He plans to slim down the number of taxpayer-funded royals because he realises that the public don't want to pay for a huge Monarchy, insiders have said.
The Queen acceded to the throne on February 6, 1952, thrust on the rather shy and tentative 25-year-old while on a royal tour of Kenya with her beloved husband and soul mate Prince Philip following the death of her father George VI, who was her idol.
Later in life, Elizabeth looked back to her young adulthood, when she faced the daunting prospect of, in the near future, leading a Britain still reeling after the Second World War. 'When I was 21, I pledged my life to the service of our people, and asked for God's help to make that vow,' she recalled. 'Although that vow was made in my salad days, when I was green in judgement, I do not regret nor retract one word of it.'
Nobody could have predicted that she would have reigned for 70 years, helping steer the country through crisis after crisis as well leading the Windsors through choppy waters that at times threatened the future and integrity of the Royal Family right up until her death.
Charles will now face the difficult task of following his mother.
Those who knew the Queen as a child described a serious and loyal daddy's girl who idolised her father, who at the time of her birth had no desire to be King George VI or make his beloved eldest daughter his heir to the throne.
Baby Elizabeth, with her blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, entered the world at 2.40am on April 26 1926 in a Mayfair townhouse to her proud parents Prince Albert, Duke of York, and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. Within a decade the Yorks would be Britain's most reluctant king and queen after the abdication of Edward VIII.
Her Majesty was a curious and bright girl, described by Winston Churchill as a 'character' at the age of two, while her governess later wrote of a love of animals and dedication to responsibility that would see her reign for seven decades.
In fact, when she went on her first overseas tour, accompanying her parents to Africa in 1947, she famously said: 'I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.'
Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary arrived into the world at 2.40am on April 21, 1926, at 17 Bruton Street in London's Mayfair in the year of the General Strike. Above, the future monarch with her parents at her christening ceremony in May that year
One of the earliest known portraits of Princess Elizabeth, taken in 1926 when the future monarch was just a few weeks old. A bulletin announcing her birth was issued to the Press. It read: 'The Duchess of York has had some rest since this arrival of her daughter. Her Royal Highness and the infant Princess are making very satisfactory progress'
HRH Duchess of York poses with the young Princess Elizabeth on December 2, 1926. The young princess was never set to be Queen, but circumstances intervened when her uncle, who was briefly King Edward VIII, abdicated so he could marry divorcee Wallis Simpson
Princess Elizabeth is taken for a stroll in the park. The little girl captured the nation's hearts as soon as she was born, becoming known as Lillibet when she found her name hard to pronounce
These two photographs show HM the Queen (right) and HRH Princess Anne (left) when they were very young. It is hard to tell the mother and daughter apart. Both photographs were taken by the same photographer, the late Marcus Adams
The Princess, who was given the nickname Lilibet when she found Elizabeth difficult to pronounce, was bright, well-behaved, methodical and tidy. Elizabeth is pictured sitting on a bench with her father George, Duke of York. They were then living at 145 Piccadilly. The Princess lived there with her parents and sister until 1936. The property was later destroyed in the Second World War
The remains of 145 Piccadilly are seen in 1945, after it had been largely destroyed by German bombs during the Second World War. The palatial home boasted a dining room that could accommodate 30 guests and also boasted a ballroom, library and more than 20 bedrooms
Elizabeth, Duchess of York poses (left) in the garden of the Royal Lodge at Windsor in 1936 with Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret; and (right) the future monarch looks happy posing in a ballet outfit in 1932
The Royal Family at Windsor, in the 1930s: King George VI with his daughters and their pet dogs outside Y Bwthyn Bach (The Little House), the gift of the Welsh people to Princess Elizabeth (standing by the window). Princess Margaret is seated on the wall with a dog on her lap and Queen Elizabeth looks on from inside the cottage
July 1936: Princess Elizabeth sitting on a garden seat with two corgi dogs at her home on 145 Piccadilly, London. Her love for animals was apparent from a young age
King George V (centre) with Queen Mary and the Princesses Elizabeth (shaking hands) and Princess Margaret (far right) at Brae Mar, Scotland, 1935
The Duchess of York took Elizabeth and Margaret to see a daylight dress rehearsal of the Aldershot Tattoo. Here Princess Elizabeth greets the officer of the guard while Princess Margaret alights from the car at Rushmoor Arena
12th September 1937: The royal family on the balcony at Buckingham Palace after the coronation of King George VI (1895 - 1952). He is with Queen Elizabeth (1900 - 2002), Princess Elizabeth (waving) and Princess Margaret
Princess Elizabeth with the Queen Mother on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, after the coronation of King George VI
A family portrait, as Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret join their mother and father for a picture in 1937, when the Queen was 11-years-old
Lord Elphinstone (left) greeting the British Royal Family; (L-R) Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, Princess Elizabeth and King George VI (far right), at Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh, July 5 1937
Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary arrived into the world at 2.40am on April 21, 1926, at 17 Bruton Street (pictured) in London's Mayfair in the year of the General Strike
Princess Elizabeth feeding an elephant during a visit to London Zoo, 1939. Her duties began at the early age of 12 when she became president of the Children's League of the Princess Elizabeth Hospital in Shadwell
Queen Elizabeth with her daughters Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret by a syringa bush in the grounds of Windsor Castle in July, 1941
Princess Elizabeth of England (future queen Elizabeth II) young wearing girl scout uniform (member of the Buckingham Palace Company of Girl Guides) in 1943
Prince Elizabeth (pictured left) and her younger sister Princess Margaret Rose, prepare to release a carrier pigeon with a message to Chief Guide Lady Olave Baden-Powell on her late husband's birthday on February 20, 1943
Queen Elizabeth (the Queen mother) and Princess Elizabeth, are pictured here in the Royal Procession at Ascot on June 15, 1951
Princess Elizabeth, aged seven, stands next to her sister Princess Margaret, who is two, at the time. Princess Elizabeth would later become Queen Elizabeth II
Nobody could have predicted that she would have reigned for 70 years, helping steer the country through crisis after crisis as well leading the Windsors through choppy waters that at times threatened the future and integrity of the Royal Family right up until her death.
And after Prince Philip's passing, Her Majesty's health quickly began to suffer.
In October 2021 the Queen spent a rare night in hospital after doctors sent her for tests, forcing her to apologetically miss a visit to Northern Ireland.
She had worked ten of the previous 20 days, and was back at her desk within hours of being discharged, despite having to cancel an appearance at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow.
Concerns for the nation's longest reigning sovereign had been heightened in recent months given her age, frailer appearance of late and positive Covid-19 test on February 20, 2022.
She had to cancel a series of engagements including virtual audiences after suffering from 'mild, cold-like symptoms'.
The Queen had to rest for three months on doctors' orders, and had also been regularly seen using a walking stick. She remarked during a Windsor Castle audience in February 2022: 'Well, as you can see, I can't move.'
She would later admit that Covid had left her exhausted.
But even while suffering from poor health, she continued with 'light duties' as head of state - including working from her red boxes, sent to her every day and containing policy papers, Foreign Office telegrams, letters and other State papers which had to be read and, where necessary, approved and signed.
There were also countless virtual engagements.
When she missed the State Opening of Parliament, it was the first time she had done so since 1963, when she was pregnant with Prince Edward. The only previous occasion was when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew in 1959.
Princess Elizabeth being made a Bachelor of Music of London University, July 10, 1946, at a ceremony at the Senate House, when the Chancellor, the Earl of Athlone, her great uncle, presided. Music has long been one of the Princess's great interests
Princess Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret Rose with their nannies, left, Clara Knight, known as 'Allah' and right Margaret 'Bobo' Macdonald in 1932
Princess Elizabeth (pictured left) poses in her girl guide uniform in Frogmore, Windsor, England on April 11, 1942. Princess Elizabeth (pictured right) in a car on the way to London King's Cross to catch a train to Sandringham in 1936
Princess Elizabeth poses for a photograph with a pony at Windsor Great Park in Berkshire on April 21, 1939
The Queen's relationship with the Armed Forces began when, as Princess Elizabeth, she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1945, becoming the first female member of the Royal Family to join the Armed Services as a full-time active member (she is pictured next to an Army ambulance during WWII). During her time in the ATS, the Princess learnt to drive and to maintain vehicles. Since then, The Queen has maintained a close relationship with the Armed Forces through regular visits to service establishments and ships. She holds many military appointments and honorary ranks
The Queen walks through the Sagana lodge in Kenya alongside Sir Philip Mitchell, Governor of Kenya, a few hours after receiving the news her father had died on 6 February 1952
Elizabeth's father King George VI, her mother Queen Elizabeth and sister Princess Margaret at London Airport to wave her off ahead of the tour. He died six days later.
The Queen learns of her father's death - and the beginning of her reign - while returning from Kenya in 1952, in private footage believed to have been filmed on the plane by the Duke of Edinburgh. It was first shown in a BBC documentary in 2012
The Queen was crowned with the St Edward's Crown and her coronation dress, by couturier Norman Hartnell, was a white satin gown encrusted with diamonds, gold and silver bullion, seed pearls and crystals.
One of the first pictures of the new born Prince Andrew shows the baby in the Queen Elizabeth II's arms, on March 22 1960
The Queen poses with Prince Edward, on June 13 1964. Prince Edward was the Queen's fourth and final child. He was born when she was 38
The Queen is pictured with Terracotta Army soldier statues at the Qin Shi Huang's Museum on her first visit to China
The Queen With the Russia's president Boris Yeltsin in Red Square, Moscow, in 1994. Her Majesty undertook hundreds of visits to foreign countries during her reign but made only that single visit to Russia
A shocked Queen Elizabeth II inspects damage to Windsor Castle with a fireman after a restorers lamp ignited a curtain causing a devastating fire in 1992
The Royal Family was engulfed by scandal and its future was at risk over its handling of the death of Princess Diana in 1997
Her Majesty looks at the Queen Mother's coffin at Westminster Abbey during her final. She died in March 2002 aged 101. She was buried in St George's Chapel in Windsor, next to her husband King George VI
She appeared to wipe away tears while talking to Viscount Linley at the funeral of her sister Princess Margaret in 2002 - In the space of just seven weeks the Queen's younger sister and then her 101-year-old mother, the Queen Mother, died
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip ride in the Golden State Carriage at the head of a parade from Buckingham Palace to St Paul's Cathedral celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubilee
Queen Elizabeth II sits in the Regency Room at Buckingham Palace in London as she looks at some of the cards which have been sent to her for her 80th birthday in 2006
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on stage at the end of the show Children's party to celebrate her 80th Birthday on June 25 2006
Her Majesty shakes hands with former IRA commander and later Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness - the man many said ordered the murder of her beloved Lord Louis Mountbatten
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, kisses his mother as she arrives to attend a 90th Birthday Celebration show at Windsor Castle on May 15, 2016
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh wave to guests attending 'The Patron's Lunch' celebrations for The Queen's 90th birthday on The Mall on June 12, 2016
Prince William and his new bride Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, bow in front of Queen Elizabeth II during their wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London on April 29, 2011
Her Majesty speaks with Prince William and Kate Duchess of Cambridge as they arrive with their son Prince George at the Chapel Royal in St James's Palace, Wednesday Oct. 23, 2013
The Queen is seen with Prince Philip as Meghan Markle sits shortly after marrying Prince Harry in Windsor in May 2018
Queen Elizabeth II takes her seat during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021. She sat alone, in a mask, due to Covid restrictions
2022 -- The Queen meets the incoming and outgoing Defence Service Secretaries at Windsor Castle on February 16, 2022
In her place, Prince Charles, who was accompanied by Prince William, read her speech for the first time as the Queen watched on TV from Windsor Castle, but the Sovereign's Throne in the House of Lords remained symbolically empty.
The Daily Mail reporting the news of the then Princess Elizabeth's birth
Days after missing the State Opening of Parliament, the Queen was clapped and cheered as she attended the Royal Windsor Horse Show over successive days, watching an all-star lineup that included Dame Helen Mirren, Tom Cruise and Katherine Jenkins perform.
Her Majesty, who looked cheerful and well, was given a standing ovation as she walked to her seat despite her recent frailty, surprising those who believed she may miss the event altogether.
The monarch then caused further surprise just a couple of days later when she unexpectedly visited Paddington Station in London to officially open the Elizabeth line with her youngest son Prince Edward, who had been scheduled to attend on his own.
Her Majesty used a walking stick but was steady on her feet as she was shown how to top up an Oyster card.
At the Chelsea Flower Show, the Queen refused to let her mobility problems stop her from attending as she toured the event in a chauffer-driven golf buggy.
But it was over the Platinum Jubilee weekend in early June that the Queen really displayed her commitment to duty.
On the day of Trooping the Colour on June 2, 2022, she appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony with senior royals including Prince Charles and Prince William.
Also present was the Duchess of Cambridge and her and William's children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Her Majesty beamed as 71 aircraft took part in a flypast above Buckingham Palace as part of the tributes to her.
In a sign of the toll that the appearances had had on her, a spokesman said later that day that due to 'discomfort' she had suffered, she would miss the next day's Service of Thanksgiving.
But she was still able to head to Windsor Castle that evening to symbolically launch more than 3,500 flaming tributes to her 70-year reign.
The event formed part of a dual ceremony with her grandson the Duke of Cambridge, who was waiting 22 miles away at Buckingham Palace where the centrepiece of the beacon chain - a 68-foot 'Tree of Trees' sculpture - was illuminated.
The Daily Mail published the first pictures of the newborn Princess Elizabeth in the month after she was born. Above: She is seen in a cot being watched over by her mother
The Queen and heir to the throne Prince Charles, dressed in full military uniform, welcomed a small number of healthcare professionals to the ornate confines of Windsor Castle on July 12
Beaming in blue! The Queen is all smiles as she attends the Royal Company of Archers Reddendo Parade in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse on June 30
On June 27, the Queen made her first public appearance since the Platinum Jubilee. She was in Edinburgh for thehistoric Ceremony of the Keys - the traditional opener to Holyrood week for the Royal Family
The 96-year-old monarch was seen giving a wave to a group of children as she rolled up to Windsor Castle in a dark-green Range Rover on May 31
This month, the Queen was forced to miss the State Opening of Parliament for the first time in 59 years, due to what her spokesman described as 'episodic mobility problems' which they said she was continuing to experience. In her place, Prince Charles, who was accompanied by Prince William, read her speech for the first time, but the Sovereign's Throne in the House of Lords remained symbolically empty
The Queen held onto Prince Andrew's elbow with her left hand and had a walking stick in her right at Westminster Abbey on March 29
The Queen with her eldest son Prince Charles and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall ahead of the annual Order of the Garter service at St George's Chapel on June 13, 2022
The Queen pictured being driven in a royal Range Rover on her 96th birthday, which she celebrated at Sandringham on April 21, 2022
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Louis of Cambridge on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant on June 5, 2022