The Queen dies peacefully at Balmoral
The Queen has died, Buckingham Palace has announced.
The 96-year-old monarch, whose 70-year reign was the longest in British history, was attended by senior members of the Royal Family as she passed away yesterday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
A statement from Buckingham Palace read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
“The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Her eldest son, now King Charles III, and his wife, who has become Queen Consort, were visiting Scotland and were at Balmoral. They were joined by the Queen’s other children, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, and Prince Edward, the Duke of Wessex.
Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, travelled to Scotland, as did Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. His wife, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, did not go to Balmoral.
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In a statement, the new King said: “The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty the Queen, is a moment of profound sadness for me and all members of my family.
“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 countries and people around the world.
“During this period of mourning and change my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.”
Rena Lalgie, the Governor praised the Queen as an inspirational woman and said her death would be felt “deeply” across Bermuda.
In a statement, the Governor said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Queen.
“I offer my sincere condolences to His Majesty the King and the Royal Family at this difficult time.
“The loss will be deeply felt throughout Bermuda. the Commonwealth and around the world.
“As a British woman, very much a child of the Commonwealth, the Queen’s devotion to service, her resilience and the example she set as a female leader continues to be an inspiration to me.
“The Queen’s commitment to her people within the United Kingdom, the Overseas Territories and the Commonwealth, was declared on her 21st birthday when she dedicated her life to service with the words ‘I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service’.
“Throughout her 70 years on the throne, the Queen’s dedication to service was steadfast and made a real difference in the day-to-day lives of people around the world. The imprint of the Queen's selfless service is exemplified by her patronage of over 600 charities, military associations, and public organisations.
“Queen Elizabeth II was a much loved and respected figure in Bermuda and will be remembered fondly.”
David Burt, the Premier, praised the Queen’s “consequential” reign which he said had earned a “unique” place in history.
Cole Simons, One Bermuda Alliance leader, said the Queen “set the standard for global leadership.”
Sir John Swan, the former premier, told The Royal Gazette: “I am very saddened by the news of the Queen’s passing.
“She made a number of visits to Bermuda and was always very gracious.”
Flags on all Bermudian Government buildings will be flown at half-mast until further notice, it was announced.
The monarch, who made official visits to Bermuda on four occasions after ascending to the throne in 1952, had cut back on official engagements in recent months because of what the palace described as “mobility issues”.
In a break with tradition, the Queen remained at Balmoral rather than return to Buckingham Palace for the change over of power in Britain this week.
Outgoing prime minister Boris Johnson and his successor, Liz Truss, flew to Balmoral for official audiences with the Queen.
Alarm was first raised when a major energy policy statement by Ms Truss in the House of Commons was interrupted as senior figures were handed official notes, and briefly left the chamber.
Buckingham Palace then issued a statement reading: “Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.
“The Queen remains comfortable at Balmoral.”
After her coronation in 1953, Bermuda was the first stop for her six-month global tour of the Commonwealth.
The monarch made official visits again in 1975 and in 1994, and returned to the island in 2009 to mark the 400th anniversary of English settlement in Bermuda. In addition, two flights the Queen was travelling on made brief refuelling stops in Bermuda.
Government House announced that following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Her Excellency the Governor and her Office will observe a period of mourning.
A spokeswoman said: “On Friday, subject to the prevailing weather conditions, there will be a 21-rifle salute to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. This will be staged by the Royal Bermuda Regiment, at noon, at Government House.
“The Governor would like to welcome members of the public to join her in observing this event. Given the limited available space, only those with accessibility needs will be permitted to park on Government House grounds.”
Those who wish to attend should call 292-3600 and arrive no later than 11.40am.
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