(NEW YORK) — Changing temperatures around the world have led to several climate emergencies so far in 2022, from historic flooding in Pakistan that’s displaced millions of people to the rapid melting of a major glacier in Antarctica.
Parts of the world are expected to experience severe weather for the rest of the year and into 2023, as part of a rare “triple dip La Niña” event, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
What is the “triple-dip” La Niña?
A “triple-dip” La Niña is a multiyear cooling of the surface temperature of the equatorial Pacific Ocean, which can cause droughts, fierce winds and heavy rainfall.
According to WMO, the current La Niña is projected to span three consecutive northern hemisphere winters. It began in September 2020.
If it continues for the next six months, it will be the first “triple-dip” La Niña event of the 21st century, WMO says.
“It is exceptional to have three consecutive years with a la Niña event. Its cooling influence is temporarily slowing the rise in global temperatures – but it will not halt or reverse the long-term warming trend,” Petteri Taalas, the secretary-general of WMO, said in a recent report.
La Niñas are usually preceded by El Niño, a weather pattern that warms the surface of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean; however, an El Niño event did not occur before the current La Niña, according to Michelle L’Heureux, a climate scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Has it happened before? Will it happen again?
While this would be the first “triple-dip” La Niña this century, it’s not unprecedented for the weather pattern to last more than nine months to a year, which is typical for a La Niña, according to NOAA.
According to the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, last century, La Niñas occurred several times between 1903 to 2010 and 2010 to 2012.
La Niña’s global effect
La Niña occurrences have a devastating global impact because of its effect on weather and climate, Richard Seager, Ph.D., a research professor at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, told ABC News.
The weather has caused droughts in North and South America and equatorial eastern Africa. La Niña is also linked to floods in Asia, such as the devastating floods Pakistan has endured since June, Seager said.
NOAA forecasts that the expected La Niña winter season, which is from December 2022 to February 2023, in the U.S. won’t be atypical, as the northern Plains, Rockies and Pacific Northwest will also experience cooler temperatures; the South will be hotter than normal and the East Coast may be warmer than it usually is during that time of the year, according to L’Heureux.
Human-induced climate change?
According to WMO, naturally occurring climate events are viewed as happening because of “human-induced climate change,” leading to global temperatures and extreme weather conditions.
“The worsening drought in the Horn of Africa and southern South America bear the hallmarks of La Niña, as does the above average rainfall in South-East Asia and Australasia,” Taalas said in the report. “The new La Niña Update, unfortunately, confirms regional climate projections that the devastating drought in the Horn of Africa will worsen and affect millions of people.”
According to Seager, it isn’t safe to say that the changing climate causes this type of La Niña pattern because it has happened before, but he acknowledges that climate change may play a role.
“The record of sea surface temperatures we have that goes back a century and a half shows that the tropical Pacific Ocean has been moving in the direction that, although it warmed up in the west, it hasn’t warmed up in the eastern equatorial pacific,” Seager said. “So, that trend in sea surface temperatures is making these persistent La La Niñas more likely.”
(LONDON) — Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II “died peacefully” on Thursday, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace. She was 96.
The news of her death came just hours after the palace announced that the queen’s doctors were “concerned” about her health and were keeping her under “medical supervision” at Balmoral Castle, the British royal family’s estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where she has been vacationing this summer.
Members of the royal family, including the queen’s four children, quickly gathered by her side at Balmoral, according to their respective spokespersons. She died that afternoon.
Elizabeth was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. She ascended to the throne in 1952 and, in June, celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years as queen. Her eldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales, will take his mother’s place on the British throne as king. Charles’ wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, will become known as queen consort.
Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:
Sep 09, 1:52 PM EDT
Biden says he will attend the queen’s funeral
President Joe Biden told reporters Friday that he will be attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
“Yes. I don’t know what the details are yet, but I’ll be going,” Biden told reporters on the tarmac of Ohio’s Columbus International Airport.
Buckingham Palace has not yet announced when the queen’s funeral will be held.
Asked if he had spoken to King Charles III yet, Biden said, “I know him, I haven’t spoken to him. I did not call him yet.”
Sep 09, 1:36 PM EDT
King Charles III pledges to uphold Britain’s constitutional principals
In his first speech as monarch, King Charles III pledged to follow in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II, upholding Britain’s Constitution.
“As the queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation,” King Charles III said.
“And, wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavor to serve you with loyalty, respect and love as I have throughout my life,” he added.
The king also recognized his new role, and the changes it will bring.
“My life will, of course, change as I take up my new responsibilities. It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But, I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others,” the king later said.
Sep 09, 1:18 PM EDT
New titles announced for Prince William and Catherine
King Charles III announced new titles for his son, Prince William, and his son’s wife, Catherine, previously the duke and duchess of Cambridge.
They are now the new prince and princess of Wales, the new king announced in a speech from Buckingham Palace Friday.
“Our new prince and princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations,” King Charles said in the prerecorded message.
William’s mother, Diana, was the last princess of Wales. Charles’ wife, Camilla, never took the title. With Charles’ ascension, her title is now queen consort.
King Charles also mentioned his younger son, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan, the duke and duchess of Sussex.
“I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan, as they continue to build their lives overseas,” the king said.
Sep 09, 1:17 PM EDT
‘Thank you for your love and devotion,’ King Charles III remembers the queen
In his first address, King Charles III ended his address thanking his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, for her lifetime of service and her love and devotion.
“To my darling mama, as you begin your gray last journey to join my dear late papa, I want simply to say this. Thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family, and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years,” King Charles III said.
The king also expressed his gratitude for the “condolences and support” that his family has received after the passing of the queen.
Sep 09, 1:10 PM EDT
King Charles III expresses ‘profound grief’ after death of the queen
King Charles III delivered his first address as monarch Friday, in remembrance of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, saying her death has brought him “profound sorrow” and “great sadness.”
“Throughout her life, her majesty, the queen, my beloved mother, was an inspiration. An example to me and to all my family. And we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family could owe to their mother for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example,” King Charles said.
The king said the queen’s affection, admiration and respect were a hallmark of her reign.
“I pay tribute to my mother’s memory and I honor her service,” he later added.
Sep 09, 12:25 PM EDT
Prime Minister Liz Truss meets with king
British Prime Minister Liz Truss met with King Charles III Friday, shortly after he arrived at Buckingham Palace.
Sep 09, 11:13 AM EDT
English Premier League postpones weekend matches
England’s top soccer league has postponed its slate of matches this weekend in tribute to the queen’s death.
“We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country,” Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said in a statement. “As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.”
He continued, “This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation, but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”
The queen never made her “football” allegiances clear over her reign, but the new king, Charles III, has been public about his support for Burnley Football Club. With the postponements, he’ll have to hold off on watching their next match against Norwich City.
The EPL said it would announce any further postponements, such as on the day of the queen’s funeral, “in due course.”
Sep 09, 9:43 AM EDT
King Charles III views flowers outside Buckingham Palace
King Charles III has landed in London, returning from Balmoral Castle where the queen was when she died. The king walked outside Buckingham Palace, shaking hands and greeting people who gathered to share their condolences.
The king and Camila, the queen consort, walked outside the gates of Buckingham Palace viewing flowers left by people mourning the death of the queen.
As the king arrived outside, the Royal Standard was raised above Buckingham Palace for the first time during his reign.
Sep 09, 8:53 AM EDT
British Parliament members pays tribute to the queen
Both British houses of Parliament are meeting Friday for members to pay tribute to the queen in a special session of condolence.
Politics in both Houses will be on hold for a period of mourning.
“For the 70 glorious years of her reign, our queen was at the heart of this nation’s life,” Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said. “She did not simply reign over us, she lived alongside us.”
“It seems impossible to imagine a Britain without her,” he added.
There will also be a rare Saturday meeting where senior members of Parliament can take an oath of allegiance to the king. The meeting will end with an address to the king expressing condolences following his mother’s death.
House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will determine the timetable in the House for the following days, which is expected to be significantly reduced until after the state funeral for the queen.
This means new laws cannot be passed until Parliament returns, though it could be recalled for pressing matters.
-ABC News’ Zoe Magee
Sep 09, 8:37 AM EDT
King Charles III set to deliver remarks today
King Charles III will return to London this afternoon to record a televised address to the nation from Buckingham Palace. The speech will air at 1 p.m. ET before he attends the national service of thanksgiving for his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at St. Paul’s Cathedral at 2 p.m. ET.
King Charles will be officially proclaimed king at 6 a.m. ET on Saturday from the balcony at St James’ Palace. The first son of Queen Elizabeth II became king the minute his mother died but the formal announcement will be made on Saturday.
Sep 09, 7:24 AM EDT
Sec. of State Antony Blinken comments on death of Queen Elizabeth II
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has shared the following statement to the people of the United Kingdom following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 8, 2022:
Together with the American people, I extend my deepest sympathies to His Majesty The King, the entire Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom, and the peoples of the Commonwealth on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
For more than 70 years – a period during which the United Kingdom and the world witnessed unprecedented change – Queen Elizabeth personified a sense of stability. During a time of tremendous division, she was a source of unity.
Her influence extended well beyond the Commonwealth. As Queen, she visited more than 120 countries, including the United States, where she made a point of meeting not only with leaders, but with people from all walks of life. She was the embodiment of the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, and a symbol of the enduring alliance that has seen our nations through the greatest tests of the 20th and 21st centuries.
We join people around the world in mourning her passing, and we will forever be inspired by the memory of her service, leadership, and friendship.
Sep 09, 5:17 AM EDT
The queen’s final moments
Prince Charles and Princess Anne were with their mother in her final hours.
Prince Andrew and Prince Edward and his wife Sophie raced to be by her side, as did her grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry but they did not get there in time.
Sep 09, 12:36 AM EDT
World reacts to Queen Elizabeth II’s death
Cities around the world joined in mourning Queen Elizabeth II’s death on Thursday.
With Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Camilla becomes queen consort
With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, her eldest son Charles becomes king and his wife Camilla becomes queen consort.
The queen made the request for the title in February, saying that “it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”
The statement marked the first time the queen had publicly addressed her daughter-in-law’s role in the future monarchy.
The eldest son of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch has taken his late mother’s place on the throne.
King Charles III is the first child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Upon the death of his mother on Sept. 8, Charles succeeded her as king of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms.
Charles, 73, was born at Buckingham Palace in London in 1948. He was just 3 years old when he became the heir apparent as his mother acceded to the throne as queen, following the death of her father, King George VI.
Sep 08, 3:26 PM EDT
Biden orders flags to half-staff
In a new proclamation, President Joe Biden has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff “until sunset, on the day of interment,” as a “mark of the respect for the memory of Queen Elizabeth II.”
“I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment,” the proclamation reads.
He continued, “I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”
-ABC News’ Molly Nagle
Sep 08, 3:15 PM EDT
Former US presidents react over queen’s death
Former presidents of the United States have released statements in reaction to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
President Bill Clinton said in a statement that he and former first lady Hillary Clinton are mourning the passing of Her Majesty with the royal family and the rest of the world, describing her life as “extraordinary.”
“Throughout her remarkable 70-year reign, she led Britain through great transformations with unfailing grace, dignity, and genuine care for the welfare of all its people,” Bill Clinton said. “In sunshine or storm, she was a source of stability, serenity and strength.”
Bill Clinton added that he and Hillary Clinton “will always be grateful” to the kindness the queen showed them during visits to Buckingham Palace in 1995 and 2000.
President George W. Bush said in a statement that he and former first lady Laura Bush were “honored” to know the queen, describing her as a “woman of great intellect, charm and wit.”
“Spending time at Buckingham Palace, and having tea with Her Majesty — and her Corgis — is among our fondest memories of the presidency,” George W. Bush said.
The queen was able to lead the U.K. through dark moments with “her confidence in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow,” George W. Bush said.
“Our world benefitted from her steady resolve, and we are grateful for her decades of service as sovereign,” George W. Bush said. “Americans in particular appreciate her strong and steadfast friendship.”
President Barack Obama said in a statement that he and former first lady Michelle Obama were “lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty,” adding that the queen “meant a great deal to” to them.
“Back when we were just beginning to navigate life as President and First Lady, she welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity,” Barack Obama said. “Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance.”
Barack Obama continued, “Like so many, Michelle and I are grateful to have witnessed Her Majesty’s dedicated leadership, and we are awed by her legacy of tireless, dignified public service. Our thoughts are with her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this difficult time.”
President Donald Trump also released a statement following the news of the queen’s death, saying that he and former first lady Melania Trump will always cherish their time together with the queen and will “never forget Her Majesty’s generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor.”
“Melania and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Donald Trump said on Truth Social, his social media platform. “Together with our family and fellow Americans, we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom during this time of great sorrow and grief. Queen Elizabeth’s historic and remarkable reign left a tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity for Great Britain.”
Sep 08, 2:47 PM EDT
UK thrived under Elizabeth’s reign, says Liz Truss
The newly appointed prime minister of the United Kingdom, Liz Truss, emphasized the importance of Queen Elizabeth II’s rule while addressing the death of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch on Thursday.
“Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built,” Truss said outside of 10 Downing Street on Thursday. “Our country has grown and flourished under her reign. Britain is the great country it is today because of her.”
Among the accomplishments Truss highlighted were Elizabeth’s accomplishment of growing the Commonwealth from a small group of seven countries to a “family of 56 nations” as well as visiting more than 100 countries as sovereign.
The queen, who met with Truss on Tuesday at Balmoral, invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party, to form a new government as prime minister, an act emblematic of the queen’s devotion to duty, Truss said.
“Earlier this week, at 96, she remained determined to carry out her duties as she appointed me as her 15th prime minister,” Truss said, describing her as the “the very spirit of Great Britain.”
Truss also extended condolences to the now-King Charles III, calling for the country to support him in the passing of the crown.
“We offer him our loyalty, and devotion, just as his mother devoted so much to so many for so long,” Truss said.
Sep 08, 2:21 PM EDT
Charles on queen’s passing: ‘A moment of the greatest sadness’
The queen’s eldest son and new king of England — who will be known as King Charles III — released a statement following his mother’s passing.
“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,” Charles said.
“I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,” the statement continued.
Sep 08, 2:06 PM EDT
UK lowers flags to half-mast as rainbows appear
The U.K. ordered all flags to fly at half-mast in the wake of the queen’s death Thursday.
In a bit of fortuitous timing, the rain clouds eased up following the announcement and rainbows appeared over Buckingham Palace.
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also ordered the flags to fly at half-mast over the Capitol in tribute to the monarch, according to her deputy chief of staff.
Sep 08, 2:02 PM EDT
How the British royal line of succession changes
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, there is a new line of succession to the British throne.
The queen’s oldest son, Charles, the Prince of Wales, is now the new king. Members of his direct family — including his sons, Princes William and Harry — are now higher in the line of succession.
In general, succession falls to the first-born child of the heir and their children, followed by the next oldest sibling of the heir and their offspring and so on.
Sep 08, 1:51 PM EDT
What comes next after queen’s passing?
With the queen’s death come questions about what happens next, as the world has not witnessed a changeover in Britain’s monarchy in 70 years.
The U.K. government and the royal family have been planning for years to ensure a smooth transition after the queen’s death, and to appropriately honor her history-making reign.
Buckingham Palace announced Thursday that Queen Elizabeth II has died. She was 96.
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” the palace said in a statement. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Elizabeth is survived by her three sons, Charles, Prince of Wales; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex; her daughter, Anne, Princess Royal; her eight grandchildren, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge; Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex; Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie; Peter and Zara Phillips; Lady Louise Windsor; and James, Viscount Severn. She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren.
Her oldest son, Charles, succeeds her as king. His wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, is expected to become queen consort, a title that Elizabeth requested at the time of her Platinum Jubilee in June.
Charles’s oldest son, William, is now heir apparent to the throne.
Sep 08, 1:10 PM EDT
Biden briefed on queen’s health, White House says
U.S. President Joe Biden has been briefed on Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and “will be updated throughout the day concerning news out of the United Kingdom,” given the reports of her health, White House spokesperson John Kirby said Thursday
“His and the first lady’s thoughts are solidly and squarely with the queen today and her family,” Kirby told reporters.
Biden also expressed that his thoughts are with U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss, who took office on Tuesday and is currently taking part in a previously scheduled phone call with Biden and other allies focused on “continued support for Ukraine,” according to Kirby.
“I can tell you that in this video conference that the president is having as we speak, I can tell you that he did convey to Prime Minister Truss, who is on the video teleconference, that he and Dr. Biden are thinking very much of the queen and the family and the people of the United Kingdom,” Kirby said.
-ABC News’ Molly Nagle
Sep 08, 10:05 AM EDT
UK prime minister ‘deeply concerned’ about queen
U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss took to Twitter on Thursday to say that her “thoughts — and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom — are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time.”
“The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime,” Truss tweeted.
Truss, who was recently selected as the new leader of the United Kingdom’s ruling Conservative Party, had an audience with the queen at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Tuesday, during which she was formally asked to form a new government as prime minister after Boris Johnson’s official resignation. It was the first time in the queen’s 70-year reign that the ceremonial transfer of power was held at Balmoral, rather than at Buckingham Palace in London.
Sep 08, 9:41 AM EDT
Senior royals head to Balmoral Castle
Senior members of the British royal family are either at or on their way to Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where Queen Elizabeth II remains “under medical supervision.”
The queen’s oldest child and the heir to her throne, Charles, prince of Wales; and his wife, Camilla, duchess of Cornwall; as well as the queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, are already at Balmoral, according to their respective spokespersons.
Meanwhile, the queen’s other sons, Prince Andrew, duke of York; and Prince Edward, earl of Wessex; as well as Edward’s wife, Sophie, countess of Wessex; Charles’ two sons, Prince William, duke of Cambridge; Prince Harry, duke of Sussex; and Harry’s wife, Meghan, duchess of Sussex, are all on their way to Balmoral, their respective spokespersons confirmed.
(LONDON) — Prince William and Kate will take on the titles of the prince and princess of Wales following the death Thursday of William’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
William’s father, King Charles III, announced their new titles in a nationally televised speech Friday, his first as king.
“Our new prince and princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations,” Charles said in the prerecorded message.
William and Kate, the parents of three children, are now the first couple to use the titles of prince and princess of Wales since they were used by William’s parents, Charles and the late Princess Diana.
Charles’s current wife, Camilla, never used the title, going by the duchess of Cornwall instead. She is now queen consort with Charles’s accession to king.
William, now the heir to the throne, also assumes Charles’ title the duke of Cornwall and inherits the duchy of Cornwall, the private estate that was established in 1337 to provide financial independence for the heir to the throne and his family.
“As my heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me,” Charles said in his speech. “He succeeds me as duke of Cornwall, and takes on the responsibilities for the duchy of Cornwall, which I have undertaken for more than five decades.”
Kate, formerly the duchess of Cambridge, inherits the new title of the duchess of Cornwall.
William and Kate and their children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte, recently moved from Kensington Palace to Adelaide Cottage, a four-bedroom cottage on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
On the day of the queen’s death, George, Charlotte and Louis attended their first day of school at Lambrook School in Berkshire, a preparatory school for children ages 3-13 in South East England.
(LONDON) — Queen Elizabeth II’s death on Thursday came as a shock to the public.
Planning for what would happen in the days, weeks and months after her death, however, has been years in the making, and started around the time of her coronation 70 years ago.
Immediately upon the queen’s death at Balmoral Castle, a plan known internally among government and royal officials as Operation London Bridge went into effect, detailing the memorializing of the queen and the transition of power to her eldest son Prince Charles, now officially known as King Charles III.
An additional plan known as Operation Unicorn also went into effect Thursday, as the queen died at her castle in Scotland, as opposed to her residences in England.
Operation Unicorn details the process of transporting the queen’s coffin from Scotland to London, where her funeral will take place.
A plan known as Operation Spring Tide, meanwhile, lays out the details of Charles’ accession to the throne.
Here is what to expect with all three plans in effect, detailing — down to the minute — memorial services and the path ahead for the monarchy:
10 days of national mourning
A period of national mourning for Elizabeth began on the day of her death and will last until her funeral, which takes place 10 days after her death.
Described as a “period of time for reflection,” the mourning period will see public services and businesses operating as usual in the U.K., with the option to suspend or pause activities at their own discretion. Flags at royal residences, government buildings and military establishments will fly at half-mast during this time, according to the U.K. government.
Buckingham Palace has also declared a period of royal mourning, which is observed from now until seven days after the queen’s funeral.
During that time, flags will fly at half-mast — except for the Royal Standard — and royal residences will be closed, according to the palace.
Daily remembrances, formalities leading to a state funeral
Operation London Bridge designates the day of the queen’s death as “D-Day,” with each subsequent day known as D-Day+1, D-Day+2, all the way to the day of the queen’s funeral.
On Friday, the first day after the queen’s death, Charles and Camilla, the queen consort, arrived in England under their new titles for the first time, greeting well-wishers outside of Buckingham Palace.
A pre-recorded televised address from Charles, who assumed his title as king immediately upon his mother’s death, will be broadcast across the country at 6 p.m. local time Friday.
Other tributes for the queen on Friday include a national service of thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral, a gun salute across the U.K. and the tolling of bells across London and in Windsor, where the queen also resided.
On Saturday, the Accession Council — made up of senior government officials, judges and leaders of the Church of England — will meet at St. James’s Palace in London to formally proclaim Charles as king.
After the meeting, which Charles will attend, a proclamation will be read from the palace’s balcony. Later in the day, a second proclamation will be read at the Royal Exchange in London.
On Sunday, proclamations declaring Charles as king will be read in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Over the course of the next week, the queen’s body will be transported to England and “ceremonial and commemorative events” will be held, the details of which have not yet been confirmed by Buckingham Palace.
There will be a public procession to carry the queen’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, where it will lie in state for around four days to allow the public to pay their last respects.
Members of the royal family will walk with the coffin in the procession, which will also include a military parade.
In addition to attending memorials for his mother in London, Charles is also expected to travel across the U.K. next week to meet with members of the public and local leaders.
The queen’s funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey, making the queen the first sovereign to have a funeral there since 1760.
Westminster Abbey normally holds 2,200 congregants, but extra seating can be arranged to accommodate more than 8,000 people, as it did at the queen’s coronation.
Following the funeral, members of the royal family will attend the queen’s burial at St. George’s Chapel, on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
The queen will be buried next to her father King George VI, her sister Princess Margaret, and Prince Philip, her beloved late-husband of 73 years.
Charles’ coronation ceremony
Though he is already king, Charles’ coronation — the ceremony during which he is formally crowned — is likely to take place several months from now.
The queen’s coronation, for example, took place on June 2, 1953, 14 months after she ascended the throne upon her father’s death.
Charles is expected to be crowned at Westminster Abbey, where each coronation has taken place for the last 900 years, according to the royal family’s website.
The elaborate ceremony will be broadcast to the world and will see Charles take the coronation oath and have the St. Edward’s Crown placed on his head by the archbishop of Canterbury.
As queen consort, Camilla is expected to be crowned at the same time as her husband.
(LONDON) — Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday at the age of 96, Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement.
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” the palace wrote, referencing Balmoral Castle in Scotland, the queen’s traditional summer residence. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Elizabeth’s death comes just over two months after her Platinum Jubilee celebration, which marked her 70th year on on the British throne. The queen participated in a limited number of jubilee festivities, with palace officials citing health issues and “discomfort” that prevented her full attendance.
The queen, who was forced to use a walking stick in recent months, was determined to continue working through her health issues and as recently as Tuesday participated in an official appointment ceremony at Balmoral for the country’s new Prime Minister Liz Truss.
During her time on the throne, Elizabeth met countless foreign dignitaries and saw Britain through a number of historic events and landmark moments.
Here are five things to know about the British monarch and her 70-year reign:
She was the longest-reigning monarch in British history
Elizabeth was the longest-serving monarch in British history, surpassing even her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria for the title in 2015.
She came into power at the age of 25 following her father King George VI’s death in 1952. Her coronation in 1953 was a national spectacle and was broadcast across the globe.
During her reign, Elizabeth was served by 15 British prime ministers, from Winston Churchill to Truss, and she met with 13 of the last 14 U.S. presidents.
The queen had four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren
Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten, the duke of Edinburgh, on Nov. 20, 1947, at Westminster Abbey in London. In 2017, Prince Philip and the queen celebrated 70 years of marriage, making her the first monarch to celebrate a platinum wedding anniversary. Phillip died on April 9, 2021 at the age of 99.
Together, the couple had four children, their eldest being Prince Charles, who upon his mother’s death Thursday became known as King Charles III.
Elizabeth first became a grandmother in 1977 after her daughter Princess Anne gave birth to son Peter Phillips.
Over the next three decades, the queen welcomed seven more grandchildren: Zara Phillips Tindall, Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise Windsor, and James, Viscount Severn.
Elizabeth was also a great-grandmother to 12 children: Savannah and Isla Phillips; Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis; Mia, Lena, and Lucas Philip Tindall; Archie Harrison and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor; August Philip Hawke Brooksbank; and Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi.
Lilibet, whose father is Prince Harry, made history upon her birth in June 2021 as the queen’s first great-grandchild to be born outside of the U.K.
She was an international head of state
Elizabeth, who never technically owned a passport, made more than 270 trips abroad during her time as queen.
She was the head of the Commonwealth of Nations, a political association of 56 member states, composed mostly of former British territories. The queen was recognized as the constitutional monarch of 15 sovereign states in the Commonwealth including Canada, The Bahamas and New Zealand.
A queen of many firsts
During seven decades as head of the royal family, Elizabeth made history time and time again, starting from her very first day on the throne.
Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953 was the first coronation ceremony to be broadcast on TV and it was watched by a record-breaking 27 million people in the U.K. alone.
She also started the royal tradition of greeting the public, known as a “walkabout,” during a tour in Sydney in 1970.
In terms of her stately duties, Elizabeth made many critical diplomatic firsts, including visiting West Germany in 1965, upon which she became the first British monarch to visit Germany in 52 years. She also became the first British monarch to visit China in October 1986.
Elizabeth made her way to the U.S. in 1991 where she to be the first British monarch to address the U.S. Congress.
Her health had been declining in recent months
Elizabeth’s health had been deteriorating in the months leading up to her death.
On May 10, she missed the State Opening of Parliament ceremony, which formally marks the start of a new parliamentary session, for only the third time in her 70-year reign. The two other times she missed the ceremony were due to pregnancies.
The queen tested positive for COVID-19 in February after it was confirmed that Charles and his wife, Camilla, now-queen consort, had also tested positive for the virus. While Buckingham Palace said the queen experienced “mild cold-like symptoms” at the time, she was eventually forced to cancel some of her virtual engagements amid her recovery.
The queen, who previously had surgery in both knees to remove cartilage in 2003, began using a walking stick in late 2021.
(LONDON) — Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II “died peacefully” on Thursday, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace. She was 96.
The news of her death came just hours after the palace announced that the queen’s doctors were “concerned” about her health and were keeping her under “medical supervision” at Balmoral Castle, the British royal family’s estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where she has been vacationing this summer.
Members of the royal family, including the queen’s four children, quickly gathered by her side at Balmoral, according to their respective spokespersons. She died that afternoon.
Elizabeth was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. She ascended to the throne in 1952 and, in June, celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years as queen. Her eldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales, will take his mother’s place on the British throne as king. Charles’ wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, will become known as queen consort.
Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:
Sep 09, 8:53 AM EDT
British Parliament members pays tribute to the queen
Both British houses of Parliament are meeting Friday for members to pay tribute to the queen in a special session of condolence.
Politics in both Houses will be on hold for a period of mourning.
“For the 70 glorious years of her reign, our queen was at the heart of this nation’s life,” Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said. “She did not simply reign over us, she lived alongside us.”
“It seems impossible to imagine a Britain without her,” he added.
There will also be a rare Saturday meeting where senior members of Parliament can take an oath of allegiance to the king. The meeting will end with an address to the king expressing condolences following his mother’s death.
House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will determine the timetable in the House for the following days, which is expected to be significantly reduced until after the state funeral for the queen.
This means new laws cannot be passed until Parliament returns, though it could be recalled for pressing matters.
-ABC News’ Zoe Magee
Sep 09, 8:37 AM EDT
King Charles III set to deliver remarks today
King Charles III will return to London this afternoon to record a televised address to the nation from Buckingham Palace. The speech will air at 1 p.m. ET before he attends the national service of thanksgiving for his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at St. Paul’s Cathedral at 2 p.m. ET.
King Charles will be officially proclaimed king at 6 a.m. ET on Saturday from the balcony at St James’ Palace. The first son of Queen Elizabeth II became king the minute his mother died but the formal announcement will be made on Saturday.
Sep 09, 7:24 AM EDT
Sec. of State Antony Blinken comments on death of Queen Elizabeth II
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has shared the following statement to the people of the United Kingdom following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 8, 2022:
Together with the American people, I extend my deepest sympathies to His Majesty The King, the entire Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom, and the peoples of the Commonwealth on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
For more than 70 years – a period during which the United Kingdom and the world witnessed unprecedented change – Queen Elizabeth personified a sense of stability. During a time of tremendous division, she was a source of unity.
Her influence extended well beyond the Commonwealth. As Queen, she visited more than 120 countries, including the United States, where she made a point of meeting not only with leaders, but with people from all walks of life. She was the embodiment of the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, and a symbol of the enduring alliance that has seen our nations through the greatest tests of the 20th and 21st centuries.
We join people around the world in mourning her passing, and we will forever be inspired by the memory of her service, leadership, and friendship.
Sep 09, 5:17 AM EDT
The queen’s final moments
Prince Charles and Princess Anne were with their mother in her final hours.
Prince Andrew and Prince Edward and his wife Sophie raced to be by her side, as did her grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry but they did not get there in time.
Sep 09, 12:36 AM EDT
World reacts to Queen Elizabeth II’s death
Cities around the world joined in mourning Queen Elizabeth II’s death on Thursday.
With Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Camilla becomes queen consort
With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, her eldest son Charles becomes king and his wife Camilla becomes queen consort.
The queen made the request for the title in February, saying that “it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”
The statement marked the first time the queen had publicly addressed her daughter-in-law’s role in the future monarchy.
The eldest son of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch has taken his late mother’s place on the throne.
King Charles III is the first child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Upon the death of his mother on Sept. 8, Charles succeeded her as king of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms.
Charles, 73, was born at Buckingham Palace in London in 1948. He was just 3 years old when he became the heir apparent as his mother acceded to the throne as queen, following the death of her father, King George VI.
Sep 08, 3:26 PM EDT
Biden orders flags to half-staff
In a new proclamation, President Joe Biden has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff “until sunset, on the day of interment,” as a “mark of the respect for the memory of Queen Elizabeth II.”
“I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment,” the proclamation reads.
He continued, “I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”
-ABC News’ Molly Nagle
Sep 08, 3:15 PM EDT
Former US presidents react over queen’s death
Former presidents of the United States have released statements in reaction to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
President Bill Clinton said in a statement that he and former first lady Hillary Clinton are mourning the passing of Her Majesty with the royal family and the rest of the world, describing her life as “extraordinary.”
“Throughout her remarkable 70-year reign, she led Britain through great transformations with unfailing grace, dignity, and genuine care for the welfare of all its people,” Bill Clinton said. “In sunshine or storm, she was a source of stability, serenity and strength.”
Bill Clinton added that he and Hillary Clinton “will always be grateful” to the kindness the queen showed them during visits to Buckingham Palace in 1995 and 2000.
President George W. Bush said in a statement that he and former first lady Laura Bush were “honored” to know the queen, describing her as a “woman of great intellect, charm and wit.”
“Spending time at Buckingham Palace, and having tea with Her Majesty — and her Corgis — is among our fondest memories of the presidency,” George W. Bush said.
The queen was able to lead the U.K. through dark moments with “her confidence in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow,” George W. Bush said.
“Our world benefitted from her steady resolve, and we are grateful for her decades of service as sovereign,” George W. Bush said. “Americans in particular appreciate her strong and steadfast friendship.”
President Barack Obama said in a statement that he and former first lady Michelle Obama were “lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty,” adding that the queen “meant a great deal to” to them.
“Back when we were just beginning to navigate life as President and First Lady, she welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity,” Barack Obama said. “Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance.”
Barack Obama continued, “Like so many, Michelle and I are grateful to have witnessed Her Majesty’s dedicated leadership, and we are awed by her legacy of tireless, dignified public service. Our thoughts are with her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this difficult time.”
President Donald Trump also released a statement following the news of the queen’s death, saying that he and former first lady Melania Trump will always cherish their time together with the queen and will “never forget Her Majesty’s generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor.”
“Melania and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Donald Trump said on Truth Social, his social media platform. “Together with our family and fellow Americans, we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom during this time of great sorrow and grief. Queen Elizabeth’s historic and remarkable reign left a tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity for Great Britain.”
Sep 08, 2:47 PM EDT
UK thrived under Elizabeth’s reign, says Liz Truss
The newly appointed prime minister of the United Kingdom, Liz Truss, emphasized the importance of Queen Elizabeth II’s rule while addressing the death of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch on Thursday.
“Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built,” Truss said outside of 10 Downing Street on Thursday. “Our country has grown and flourished under her reign. Britain is the great country it is today because of her.”
Among the accomplishments Truss highlighted were Elizabeth’s accomplishment of growing the Commonwealth from a small group of seven countries to a “family of 56 nations” as well as visiting more than 100 countries as sovereign.
The queen, who met with Truss on Tuesday at Balmoral, invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party, to form a new government as prime minister, an act emblematic of the queen’s devotion to duty, Truss said.
“Earlier this week, at 96, she remained determined to carry out her duties as she appointed me as her 15th prime minister,” Truss said, describing her as the “the very spirit of Great Britain.”
Truss also extended condolences to the now-King Charles III, calling for the country to support him in the passing of the crown.
“We offer him our loyalty, and devotion, just as his mother devoted so much to so many for so long,” Truss said.
Sep 08, 2:21 PM EDT
Charles on queen’s passing: ‘A moment of the greatest sadness’
The queen’s eldest son and new king of England — who will be known as King Charles III — released a statement following his mother’s passing.
“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,” Charles said.
“I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,” the statement continued.
Sep 08, 2:06 PM EDT
UK lowers flags to half-mast as rainbows appear
The U.K. ordered all flags to fly at half-mast in the wake of the queen’s death Thursday.
In a bit of fortuitous timing, the rain clouds eased up following the announcement and rainbows appeared over Buckingham Palace.
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also ordered the flags to fly at half-mast over the Capitol in tribute to the monarch, according to her deputy chief of staff.
Sep 08, 2:02 PM EDT
How the British royal line of succession changes
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, there is a new line of succession to the British throne.
The queen’s oldest son, Charles, the Prince of Wales, is now the new king. Members of his direct family — including his sons, Princes William and Harry — are now higher in the line of succession.
In general, succession falls to the first-born child of the heir and their children, followed by the next oldest sibling of the heir and their offspring and so on.
Sep 08, 1:51 PM EDT
What comes next after queen’s passing?
With the queen’s death come questions about what happens next, as the world has not witnessed a changeover in Britain’s monarchy in 70 years.
The U.K. government and the royal family have been planning for years to ensure a smooth transition after the queen’s death, and to appropriately honor her history-making reign.
Buckingham Palace announced Thursday that Queen Elizabeth II has died. She was 96.
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” the palace said in a statement. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Elizabeth is survived by her three sons, Charles, Prince of Wales; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex; her daughter, Anne, Princess Royal; her eight grandchildren, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge; Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex; Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie; Peter and Zara Phillips; Lady Louise Windsor; and James, Viscount Severn. She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren.
Her oldest son, Charles, succeeds her as king. His wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, is expected to become queen consort, a title that Elizabeth requested at the time of her Platinum Jubilee in June.
Charles’s oldest son, William, is now heir apparent to the throne.
Sep 08, 1:10 PM EDT
Biden briefed on queen’s health, White House says
U.S. President Joe Biden has been briefed on Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and “will be updated throughout the day concerning news out of the United Kingdom,” given the reports of her health, White House spokesperson John Kirby said Thursday
“His and the first lady’s thoughts are solidly and squarely with the queen today and her family,” Kirby told reporters.
Biden also expressed that his thoughts are with U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss, who took office on Tuesday and is currently taking part in a previously scheduled phone call with Biden and other allies focused on “continued support for Ukraine,” according to Kirby.
“I can tell you that in this video conference that the president is having as we speak, I can tell you that he did convey to Prime Minister Truss, who is on the video teleconference, that he and Dr. Biden are thinking very much of the queen and the family and the people of the United Kingdom,” Kirby said.
-ABC News’ Molly Nagle
Sep 08, 10:05 AM EDT
UK prime minister ‘deeply concerned’ about queen
U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss took to Twitter on Thursday to say that her “thoughts — and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom — are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time.”
“The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime,” Truss tweeted.
Truss, who was recently selected as the new leader of the United Kingdom’s ruling Conservative Party, had an audience with the queen at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Tuesday, during which she was formally asked to form a new government as prime minister after Boris Johnson’s official resignation. It was the first time in the queen’s 70-year reign that the ceremonial transfer of power was held at Balmoral, rather than at Buckingham Palace in London.
Sep 08, 9:41 AM EDT
Senior royals head to Balmoral Castle
Senior members of the British royal family are either at or on their way to Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where Queen Elizabeth II remains “under medical supervision.”
The queen’s oldest child and the heir to her throne, Charles, prince of Wales; and his wife, Camilla, duchess of Cornwall; as well as the queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, are already at Balmoral, according to their respective spokespersons.
Meanwhile, the queen’s other sons, Prince Andrew, duke of York; and Prince Edward, earl of Wessex; as well as Edward’s wife, Sophie, countess of Wessex; Charles’ two sons, Prince William, duke of Cambridge; Prince Harry, duke of Sussex; and Harry’s wife, Meghan, duchess of Sussex, are all on their way to Balmoral, their respective spokespersons confirmed.
(LONDON) — The eldest son of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch has taken his late mother’s place on the throne.
King Charles III is the first child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Upon the death of his mother on Sept. 8, Charles succeeded her as king of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms.
Charles, 73, was born at Buckingham Palace in London in 1948. He was just 3 years old when he became the heir apparent as his mother acceded to the throne as queen, following the death of her father, King George VI. He is the first heir to see his mother crowned, according to a biography on the royal family’s official website.
Charles attended school rather than receiving tutoring at the family’s palace home. In 1970, he graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Bachelor of Arts degree, becoming the first heir apparent to earn a university degree. Cambridge later awarded him a Master of Arts degree.
Elizabeth made her eldest son the Prince of Wales in 1969, among other royal titles, after he had spent a term at the University College of Wales at Aberystwyth, where he learned to speak Welsh. Two years later, Charles took his seat in the House of Lords, the upper house of the parliament of the United Kingdom.
Charles then spent the next few years serving in both the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, following in his father’s footsteps.
In 1981, Charles married Lady Diana Spencer, who became the princess of Wales. The couple had two sons, William and Harry, who are second and sixth in line to the throne.
A 1994 biography authorized by Charles — “Prince of Wales,” by Jonathan Dimbleby — revealed that he felt pressured by his father to marry Diana and that he wasn’t ever in love with her. According to the book, Charles began having an affair with Camilla Parker Bowles in 1986. The two had met at a polo match several years prior.
Charles and Diana agreed to separate in late 1992, and their marriage was dissolved about four years later, according to the royal family’s official website.
A 1992 biography on the princess of Wales, “Diana: Her True Story,” in which she collaborated with the author, Andrew Morton, revealed further details on the troubled marriage, including Diana’s suspicion and jealousy over Charles’s clandestine romance and how she came to consider Camilla as the “third person” in their relationship.
In 1997, Diana was killed in a car accident in Paris. Both the driver of the car and Diana’s boyfriend, Egyptian socialite Dodi Fayed, who was another passenger, died as well. A throng of paparazzi on motorcycles had been chasing their vehicle just minutes before the driver lost control and crashed. An investigation later revealed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol and prescription drugs, and the paparazzi didn’t cause the crash.
In 2005, Charles married Camilla, who became known as the Duchess of Cornwall. The couple live together in Clarence House, a British royal residence on The Mall in London, according to the royal family’s official website. However, they are expected to move into Buckingham Palace now that he is king.
Charles and Camilla, 75, are also expected to be coronated side-by-side, per Elizabeth’s request that Camilla become queen consort — the title given to the wife of a reigning king.
Charles has five grandchildren by both of his sons.
As the longest-serving Prince of Wales, Charles had spearheaded a number of initiatives and charitable work over the years, with a particular focus on global sustainability.
For instance, he started an initiative in 2007 called “Mosaic,” which offers mentoring programs to young people growing up in deprived communities. He also launched the “Campaign for Wool” in 2010 to promote awareness of the environmental benefits of wool and expand the market for British sheep farmers who are struggling to make ends meet.
Charles also took part in various sports including horse racing, sailing and scuba diving. He raised money for charity by playing polo up until late 2004, when he decided to retire from the game after playing it for more than 40 years, according to a biography on the prince’s official website.
In his spare time, Charles likes to paint. Lithographs of his artwork are for sale and all proceeds go to The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation. He also enjoys gardening and hedge-laying, especially in his organic garden at Highgrove House, his residence near Tetbury in Gloucestershire.
(LONDON) — With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, her son Charles becomes king and his wife Camilla becomes Queen Consort.
The title of queen consort for Camilla is a request the queen made in February, on the eve of her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne.
“And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me, and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service,” the queen said.
The statement marked the first time the queen had publicly addressed her daughter-in-law’s role in the future monarchy.
When Charles and Camilla married in 2005, there was some debate as to what title Camilla, a divorcee, would take when Charles became king.
At the time of their wedding, a spokesperson for the couple suggested she would take the title Princess Consort.
Queen Consort is the title given to the spouse of a king, and under U.K. law, whoever is married to a king would immediately become that and be known as queen. There was some concern the public might resent Camilla being known as Queen Camilla, which is why this Princess Consort title was suggested.
With the queen’s blessing, Camilla will now be known as Queen Camilla as her husband is now King Charles III.
At the time the queen’s request was made public, Camilla, 75, called it a “great honor” to be given the title Queen Consort.
Camilla was at Balmoral with Charles and other royal family members on Thursday when the queen died “peacefully” in the afternoon, according to Buckingham Palace.
The rise of Camilla in the royal family and in the eyes of the public has been a transformation over the past nearly two decades.
“There was a concerted effort to rehabilitate Camilla’s reputation, but she also did that herself by how she approached her situation and over time we have seen the public’s perception of her really change,” ABC News royal contributor Victoria Murphy said earlier this year. “And now we see her very much accepted and embraced as a future queen.”
At one time, Camilla was blamed for the end of Charles’ marriage to his first wife, the late Princess Diana, the mother of his two sons, Princes William and Harry.
She and Charles first met in the 1970s and remained friends during their respective marriages, each of which ended in the mid-1990s.
In an interview this year with British Vogue, Camilla said she had to “rise above” the press and public’s scrutiny.
“It’s not easy,” she said. “I was scrutinized for such a long time that you just have to find a way to live with it. Nobody likes to be looked at all the time and, you know, criticized … but I think in the end, I sort of rise above it.”
During her nearly two decades as a member of the royal family, Camilla has dedicated herself to supporting Charles and championing her own causes, among them supporting victims of domestic abuse.
Earlier this year, on Garter Day, Camilla was made a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter, the “oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain,” according to the royal family’s website.
Camilla told British Vogue she plans to continue to advocate for causes closest to her heart as queen, saying, “You can’t desert things that you’re in the middle of. There’s a lot of things to be done still.”
She also described to the magazine the lives she and Charles lead behind-the-scenes, noting they can be like “ships passing in the night” due to their busy schedules.
“It’s not easy sometimes, but we do always try to have a point in the day when we meet,” she said. “Sometimes it’s like ships passing in the night, but we always sit down together and have a cup of tea and discuss the day. We have a moment. It’s lovely to catch up when we have a bit of time.”
Describing the times they are away from the daily grind of royal life, Camilla added, “You know when we go away, the nicest thing is that we actually sit and read our books in different corners of the same room. It’s very relaxing because you know you don’t have to make conversation. You just sit and be together.”
(LONDON) — With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, there is a new line of succession to the British throne.
The queen’s oldest son, Charles, has become king. And with his ascension to the throne, members of his direct family, including his sons Princes William and Harry, are now higher in the line of succession.
In general, succession falls to the first-born child of the heir and their children, followed by the next oldest sibling of the heir and their offspring and so on. That’s why, for instance, Prince Charles’ children and grandchildren are ahead in line of Charles’ oldest brother, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York.
Other rules make the order more complicated.
Under British laws established in the late 1600s and early 1700s, the succession to the throne can be regulated by Parliament, which can remove monarchs for “misgovernment,” according to the royal family’s website.
In order to be king or queen, the sovereign must be in communion with the Church of England and must promise to uphold the Protestant succession.
In 2013, a law called the Succession to the Crown Act ended the centuries-old practice of a younger son superseding an elder daughter in the line of succession.
The act, which applies to royals born after Oct. 28, 2011, also ended the provisions by which those who marry Roman Catholics are disqualified from the line of succession. The changes came into full effect in March 2015.
As a result of the act, Princess Charlotte, the daughter of Prince William and his wife, Duchess Kate, is ahead in the line of succession over her younger brother, Prince Louis.
As a ruler, the British monarch serves as the head of state, within the limits of the constitution.
A new sovereign ascends to the throne upon the death of the previous monarch.
After the monarch’s death, the Accession Council, a ceremonial body, is expected to meet at St. James’s Palace in London as soon as possible to formally proclaim the accession of the successor to the throne and witness the statutory oath.
If the monarch is still a child when succeeding to the throne, a regent is appointed to perform the royal functions until the monarch turns 18. The same can happen if the monarch is absent or incapacitated, according to the royal family’s official website.
Here is the current line of succession to the British throne, as listed on the royal family’s official website.
1. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge
2. Prince George of Cambridge
3. Princess Charlotte of Cambridge
4. Prince Louis of Cambridge
5. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
6. Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor
7. Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor
8. Prince Andrew, Duke of York
9. Princess Beatrice of York (Mrs. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi)
10. Miss Sienna Mapelli Mozzi
11. Princess Eugenie of York (Mrs. Jack Brooksbank)
(LONDON) — Queen Elizabeth II’s death at age 96 comes over one year after the death of her husband, Prince Philip, who died in April 2021 at the age of 99.
Their deaths marked the end of a seven-decade love story that started before the queen ascended to the throne.
“He is someone who doesn’t take easily to compliments, but he has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years,” the queen said in 1997, paying tribute to her husband on their golden wedding anniversary. “And I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know.”
The Greek-born Prince Philip first met then-Princess Elizabeth in 1934 at the wedding of Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark and Prince George, the Duke of Kent.
Philip and Elizabeth shared a great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria.
Philip was a direct descendant of Princess Alice, the third child of Queen Victoria. Queen Elizabeth is a direct descendant of Queen Victoria’s oldest son, who became King Edward VII, according to the royal family’s website.
After their first meeting, Elizabeth and Philip met several times over the course of the next decade, and a very young Princess Elizabeth became smitten with the blond, blue-eyed Philip. Her governess recorded that Philip’s “Viking good looks” made quite an impression on the princess.
The couple exchanged letters and, in 1946, Philip, then in his mid-20s, was given permission by King George VI to marry his daughter, on the condition that they wait until Elizabeth was 21.
Her father’s courtiers, however, were less impressed.
There were reportedly reservations about Philip’s lack of financial resources and foreign roots, and King George VI was also reportedly concerned about his daughter’s young age.
The couple endured the doubts and married on Nov. 20, 1947, in a royal wedding in Westminster Abbey.
Philip renounced his Greek and Danish titles and adopted the anglicized surname of his mother’s family, calling himself Lt. Philip Mountbatten. His new father-in-law, the king, granted him the titles of Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich.
For several years after their marriage, Philip and Elizabeth lived a relatively normal life. He continued to serve in the Royal Navy, and the couple soon had their two oldest children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne.
Philip and Elizabeth’s lives changed in 1952 when, while Elizabeth was touring Kenya, her father died.
She became Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 25, and Philip gave up his career in the Royal Navy to support his wife.
The queen did not give her husband the formal title of “prince consort,” as was done in the past. Five years after the queen ascended to the throne, though, in 1957, she made Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, a prince of the United Kingdom.
Philip, who had four children with the queen, had reportedly been angry to learn, after his wife’s accession, that his children would never bear his last name, according to a 2012 biography of the queen by author Sally Bedell Smith.
“I’m nothing but a bloody amoeba,” Philip reportedly said, according to the book. “I am the only man in the country not allowed to give his name to his own children.”
Although they didn’t bear his surname, Philip took a very active role in the upbringing of his children — Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward — and was very protective of both his family and the family business into which he married.
He was by Elizabeth’s side on all 251 of the official overseas visits she made before Philip passed away, according to the palace.
For Philip’s 90th birthday in 2011, the queen made him a lord high admiral.
On their 70th wedding anniversary in November 2017, Elizabeth appointed Philip to be a knight grand cross of the Royal Victorian Order for his services to the sovereign.
The couple celebrated their last wedding anniversary together, their 73rd, on Nov. 20, 2020.
In honor of the anniversary, Buckingham Palace released a photo showing the queen and Philip looking at a card made by three of their great-grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, the children of Prince William and Duchess Kate.
Elizabeth and Philip are survived by three sons, Princes Charles, Andrew and Edward; one daughter, Princess Anne; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
