Keeping busy. Ahead of her death, Queen Elizabeth II continued to carry out more public engagements than many of the other British royals combined — even after 70 years on the throne.
The role of monarch was assumed by the late monarch in 1952, at the age 25 following the death her father, King George VI. Elizabeth became the longest-reigning and most-lived monarch in British History and was also the longest-serving female head for state in the entire world.
Her Majesty, who was married for more than 70-years to Prince Philip, had four children with her husband. King Charles III, Princess Anne, Prince AndrewAnd Prince Edward.
Charles, who was first in the line of succession before his mother’s passing, was the longest-waiting heir apparent in U.K. history and is also the oldest British monarch to ever take the throne. Elizabeth spoke out in 2018 about how her eldest son would eventually take over as the next leader of the royal family.
“It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations – and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales will carry on the important work started by my father in 1949,” she said at a government meeting at the time. “By continuing to treasure and reinvigorate our associations and activities, I believe we will secure a safer, more prosperous and sustainable world for those who follow us, a world where the Commonwealth’s generosity of spirit can bring its gentle touch of healing and hope to all.”
Charles, for his part, added: “The modern Commonwealth has a vital role to play in building bridges between our countries, fairer societies within them and a more secure world around them.”
The queen later made headlines in February 2022 when she announced her wish for Charles’ wife, then known as Duchess Camilla, to be given the title of Queen Consort. “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,” her statement read 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.”
Later that year, Buckingham Palace announced that Her Majesty’s doctors put her under “medical supervision”. Prince WilliamCharles, Camilla Prince HarryAll of us traveled to Balmoral in Scotland when we heard about her declining health.
Elizabeth died on September 8, 2022, surrounded and loved by her family. “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 in a statement that day. “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”
His message continued: “During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”
Scroll down for a look at a typical day of Queen Elizabeth’s life just before her death.