Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle, United Kingdom. As she holds the title of the world’s longest reigning monarch, she reigned for seventy years. Queen Elizabeth’s former husband of 74 years, Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh died on April 9, 2021.

Elizabeth’s state funeral will take place at London’s Westminster Abbey on September 19 at 11 a.m GMT. The Queen’s last ceremonial journey took her from Balmoral Castle in Scotland(where she passed), to her resting place at Westminster Hall. There were stops along the journey that were planned by royal officials.

“Queen Elizabeth’s legacy will forever be remembered. To think she surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, who reigned for only 63 years,” said senior Maura McDonald.

Born on April 21, 1926, Elizabeth was the oldest daughter of Prince Albert, Duke of York, and his wife, Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. In 1930, Lady Elizabeth gave birth to a second daughter named Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. Both Elizabeth and Margaret’s lives changed in 1936 when their uncle King Edward VIII abdicated. Prince Albert used his middle name as his royal title and became King George VI. Elizabeth and Margaret were educated by their mother and others at their home. During World War II the sisters spent most of their time safely away and were separated from their parents.

Early in 1947, Princess Elizabeth announced her betrothal to her distant cousin Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten of the Royal Navy. The marriage between Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten took place in Westminster Abbey on November 20, 1947. King George VI conferred upon Philip the titles of Duke of Edinburgh, earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich. Their first child, Prince Charles was born on November 14, 1948, at Buckingham Palace.

“The late Queen Elizabeth II, aected many people’s lives. The Queen left behind her four sons, one who will now claim the throne, King Charles III . The Queen was the longest reigning monarch, claiming the throne in 1953 when her father King George VI passed away,” said senior Rebecca Goodman.

The queen had four children with Prince Philip: King Charles III, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward. All together they gave her eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Elizabeth’s father, King George VI passed away on February 6, 1952, making Elizabeth the queen at just 25 years of age. Queen Elizabeth spent the first three months of her reign grieving the death of her father. Her coronation was held at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953.