Queen Elizabeth II dies at the age of 92
After 70 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II died. The royal family announced her death on Twitter from their account, @RoyalFamily, around 6:30 p.m. local time. The tweet stated the long-serving monarch had “died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.”
The tweet came alongside a raft of more traditional protocols surrounding the monarch’s death, plans for which have been a closely guarded secret for decades. A Guardian report in 2017 said news of the Queen’s death would first be relayed to the UK prime minister via the coded message “London Bridge is down,” before an announcement made via a “newsflash to the Press Association and the rest of the world’s media simultaneously.” If she had died in London. However, she died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, meaning an arrangement called “Operation Unicorn” is underway.
The royal family’s approach to communication has transformed. In most recent years of the Queen’s reign, the family is known for their use of pomp and ceremony to reinforce the power of the monarchy, the Windsors have become savvy users of social media!
Queen ElizabethII, made an announcement in February 2022, stating her wishes for the public to support her son and Camilla after her death.
“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,” she said at the time. “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.”
Charles III and his wife Camilla, who is expected to take on the title of Queen Consort. King Charles III released the statement below via Twitter.
Queen Elizabeth’s funeral is expected to happen 10 days after her death. During that time, the queen will most likely lie in state and the public will have an opportunity to come and pay their respects.