ChronoFive
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Setting the scene
Queen Elizabeth II died September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at age 96, after a 70-year reign—the longest of any British monarch. Her death came after a period of declining health; she had met new Prime Minister Liz Truss just two days earlier.
What happened
Her death triggered Operation London Bridge, a detailed plan for mourning and succession. Her son became King Charles III immediately. Millions lined streets for her funeral September 19 at Westminster Abbey, watched by 4 billion people globally.
Why it still matters
Elizabeth's reign spanned from Churchill to Truss, from empire to Commonwealth, from post-war austerity to the internet age. Her death marked the end of an era and prompted reflection on monarchy's role. September 8, 2022, closed the second Elizabethan age.
Background
Charles III succeeded her.