Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is dead. She died on Thursday at the age of 96 at her country estate, Balmoral Castle in Scotland, the palace said. Her son Charles is now king. According to the palace, Charles and his wife Camilla will remain at the country estate this evening and return to London on Friday. Queen's grandson Prince William is now heir to the throne. Second in line to the throne is now 9-year-old Prince George.
The palace had said by midday that the queen's doctors were "concerned" about her health and had recommended medical monitoring. Their four children and their grandsons then rushed to Balmoral Castle.
Although the British monarch had no political power, she was considered one of the most important personalities of our time. With an unconditional sense of duty and perseverance, she led the country through major changes.
When she became queen in 1952, Great Britain was still a colonial power. In 1997 Hong Kong was handed over to China as the last major colony. The Queen later maintained contact with the former colonies through the Commonwealth.
Crises and tragedies in the family
By age 13, Elizabeth had fallen in love with the dashing Philip Mountbatten. The Greek prince from a Danish-German noble family was her great support throughout her life. The marriage lasted until Philip's death in April 2021 at the age of 99.
There have always been crises and tragedies in the Queen's family. These included the accidental death of her ex-daughter-in-law, Princess Diana, and the allegations in the abuse scandal against her son Andrew and the withdrawal of grandson Prince Harry from his royal duties. The Queen endured it all with stoic calm.
She also did not comment on Brexit
Her great passion was dogs - her corgis - and horses. She continued to ride in the saddle until she was very old. She did without a protective rider's helmet and preferred a headscarf instead.
The monarch always stayed out of political affairs. The Queen did not comment on her country's exit from the European Union (Brexit).
She completed hundreds of trips abroad, including several to Germany. She last visited the Federal Republic on a state visit in 2015. Her stations included Berlin, Frankfurt is Main and the former Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.
Her most important trip is her visit to Ireland in 2011. It was celebrated as a gesture of reconciliation. The last time a British head of state had visited Dublin was before the country gained independence from Britain in 1911.
