The world is saying goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II on Monday as the state funeral for the 96-year-old British monarch takes place.
Elizabeth, who sat on the throne for 70 years, died on Sept. 8 in her beloved Scottish residence, Balmoral Castle, alongside members of her family. Her son, King Charles III, ascended to the throne and became head of state for the United Kingdom, Canada and other Commonwealth Nations.
Following her death, the United Kingdom plunged into 10 days of mourning. Mourners in Scotland were able to pay their respects to the queen in the days after her death, before she was taken to London to lie in state at Westminster Hall.
Between Wednesday and Monday, an expected 750,000 people passed through Westminster to see and say goodbye to the queen. At one point on Friday, the queue was paused after it reached capacity. Well-wishers waited several hours for a chance to pay their respects to the queen over the duration of the lying in state.
Portrait of Queen Elizabeth taken by Jane Bown in February 2006. This photo was used to announce the queen’s death on Sept. 8, 2022.
Royal Trust Collection
Despite the abolishment of the monarchy in some nations, her personal popularity remained strong and is often credited for the monarchy’s survival through modern times.
In terms of length of reign, Elizabeth lags only French King Louis XIV, who sat on the throne for 72 years.
She leaves behind her children: Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
— with files from Global News’ Chris Jancelewicz
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
