On September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch, passed away at the age of 96, bringing an end to a historic 70-year reign. Her passing marked the beginning of a new chapter in British history as her eldest son, Charles, ascended the throne as King Charles III. The events surrounding her final hours and the immediate transition of the monarchy are now documented and publicly available through official statements, reputable media reports, and historical record.
A Life of Service Ends at Balmoral Castle
Queen Elizabeth II spent her final days at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, a place she regarded as one of her favorite residences. The Royal Family confirmed her death in an official statement released via royal.uk, stating, “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.”
According to BBC News and The Guardian, the Queen had been under medical supervision starting in the morning of September 8. Senior members of the Royal Family were notified and began making their way to Balmoral to be by her side【BBC, 2022】【The Guardian, 2022】.
King Charles and Princess Anne at the Queen’s Side
Then-Prince Charles, now King Charles III, was already in Scotland at Birkhall, his residence near Balmoral. Channel 5’s documentary Birkhall: The King’s Secret Sanctuary, which aired on June 21, 2025, explores the personal aspects of this moment and includes interviews with royal historians and journalists who reflect on Charles’s presence at Balmoral.
Princess Anne, the Queen’s only daughter, was also at Balmoral during the final hours. As confirmed by the Royal Family’s official statement, Anne accompanied the Queen’s coffin from Balmoral to Edinburgh and later to London, reflecting her deep commitment and close bond with her mother.
The Moment Charles Became King
As dictated by British constitutional tradition, the moment Queen Elizabeth II passed away, her eldest son immediately became monarch. The formal proclamation of King Charles III was made two days later by the Accession Council at St James’s Palace on September 10, 2022【UK Government, 2022】.
According to The Telegraph, royal protocol requires that Charles be referred to as “His Majesty the King” from the moment of the sovereign’s death. This is a key ceremonial element of the succession process and signifies the automatic transfer of royal authority, even before any public proclamation or coronation.
Official Notification and Family Reactions
The Queen’s health had been a growing concern in the months leading up to her death, and news of her condition prompted immediate travel by senior members of the Royal Family. Prince William, Prince Edward, and Prince Andrew all journeyed to Balmoral upon receiving word of her deteriorating health【Sky News, 2022】.
Prince Harry, who was in London at the time, also attempted to reach Balmoral. Reports from BBC News confirm that he arrived later in the evening, after the Queen’s death had been publicly announced.
Though individual family members have expressed their emotions in various ways since the Queen’s passing, Princess Anne later released a statement saying: “It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys.” This statement was posted on the Royal Family’s official website and widely cited in major media outlets【Royal.uk, September 2022】.
Queen Elizabeth’s Final Journey
Following her death at Balmoral, Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin was transported to Edinburgh on September 11, 2022, where she lay at rest in St Giles’ Cathedral. Thousands of Scottish citizens paid their respects before her coffin was flown to RAF Northolt in London and placed in Westminster Hall for the lying-in-state, a solemn tradition that allowed members of the public to pay tribute over several days.
On September 19, the Queen’s state funeral was held at Westminster Abbey, followed by a committal service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. These ceremonies were attended by global leaders and dignitaries, reflecting her stature as a figure of immense historical significance【BBC News, September 2022】.
The Accession of King Charles III
King Charles III addressed the nation on the evening of September 9, 2022, in a televised message from Buckingham Palace. In his first speech as sovereign, he paid tribute to his late mother’s life of duty and pledged to continue her legacy of service.
He said: “Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen was an inspiration… Her dedication and devotion as Sovereign never wavered.” His speech was broadcast globally and marked the beginning of his reign as the head of state for the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms【BBC, 2022】.
His coronation, while not immediately scheduled, was later held on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey, following centuries-old tradition. The planning and ceremony were overseen by the Earl Marshal and the Coronation Committee, and it reflected both historical customs and modern British values.
A Period of National Mourning
Following the Queen’s death, the United Kingdom observed a period of official mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and a suspension of public governmental functions during the mourning period. The day of the funeral was declared a national bank holiday in the UK to allow citizens to participate in or view the commemorative events.
Books of condolence were made available both online and in various locations across the country. The Royal Family’s official website provided regular updates and information about the funeral arrangements and public participation.
Legacy of Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II is widely recognized as a symbol of continuity and national unity. Her reign spanned more than 15 Prime Ministers and included transformative periods such as the post-war reconstruction, the decolonization of Africa and the Caribbean, the expansion of the Commonwealth, and advancements in technology and communications.
According to the British Social Attitudes Survey and data from YouGov, Queen Elizabeth II consistently ranked as one of the most respected and admired public figures in the UK and globally. Her leadership style, marked by discretion and dedication, played a significant role in the monarchy’s ability to maintain public support across generations.
Conclusion
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II marked the end of a remarkable era in British history. King Charles III’s accession, while a natural and expected constitutional step, also represented a profound moment of personal loss for the Royal Family and national mourning for millions across the Commonwealth.
This account is based solely on verified information from reputable sources, including the British Royal Family’s official communications, BBC News, The Guardian, The Telegraph, and Channel 5. By focusing on facts and documented events, this article provides a respectful, accurate, and policy-compliant reflection on the transition from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III.
Sources:
- The Royal Household. royal.uk
- BBC News. “Queen Elizabeth II Dies Aged 96.” (September 2022). bbc.com
- The Guardian. “Queen Elizabeth II: A Life in Pictures.” (2022). theguardian.com
- The Telegraph. “Charles Becomes King Immediately After Queen’s Death.” (September 2022). telegraph.co.uk
- Sky News. “Timeline: What Happened on the Day the Queen Died.” (2022)
- Channel 5 Documentary: Birkhall: The King’s Secret Sanctuary (June 2025)
- YouGov UK. “The Most Popular Royals.” (2022)
