Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96

Queen Elizabeth II has passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at Balmoral Castle, at the age of 96.

She was the longest-reigning British monarch in history, having ascended the throne upon the death of King George VI in 1952.

Her official coronation followed on 2nd June 1953 at Westminster Abbey. The ceremony was watched on live television by 20 million people and was it was said that the event helped to make television a mainstream medium.

For the next 70 years she led the country and the Commonwealth, becoming the most-travelled head of state in history. Her foreign tours of India, Africa, South America, and the Middle East helped her connect with people around the world and she became an iconic symbol to billions.

With her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who sadly passed away in April 2021, she had four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. At the time of her death, the Queen had eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. The couple were married for 73 years.

As a patron of over 600 charities and charitable organisations, 2012 research by the Charities Aid Foundation estimated that she helped to raise more than £1.4 billion. She also made a rare private donation to help Ukrainian refugees throughout Europe in 2022.

At the age of just 19, while she was still Princess Elizabeth, she became the first female member of the Royal Family to join the military, determined to play her part in the latter stages of World War II. Her main responsibility was as a mechanic and driver for the Second Subaltern Windsor Unit, helping to make up for labour shortages across the country.

The life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II has been celebrated on numerous occasions, not least during her Silver, Gold, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilees.

The 2022 celebration, which was the first Platinum Jubilee in British history, was a multi-day event for the country to come together and honour Her Majesty.

While she was unable to attend all the celebrations, she said that her “heart has been with all” of her subjects.

Broadcaster Sky HISTORY has announced changes to its TV channel schedule, following the statement from Buckingham Palace.