LONDON (dpa-AFX) – After seven decades on the throne, it is the end of an era: Queen Elizabeth II is dead. She died peacefully at the age of 96 at her Scottish country estate, Balmoral, as the palace announced on Thursday evening. She was in her 70s, longer than any other British monarch before her on the throne. Her eldest son, Charles (73), now follows her after decades of waiting – as the new King Charles III.
He paid tribute to the deceased monarch in a statement as “esteemed sovereign and a much-loved mother”. “During this time of grief and change, my family and I are comforted and sustained by knowing the respect and deep affection that was so widely accorded to the Queen,” Charles continued. “I know that her loss deeply affects the whole country.” This also applies in the areas of their rule and the Commonwealth – and for people all over the world.
Elizabeth II was the head of state of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and more than a dozen other countries, including Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
Behind his father Charles, Queen’s grandson Prince William (40) is heir to the throne. Number two in line to the throne is nine-year-old Prince George, followed by his siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Buckingham Palace officials posted the official announcement of the Queen’s death at the palace gate in the evening. Hundreds of people had gathered in front of the Queen’s official residence in London before the announcement. Many sang the national anthem and burst into tears as the flag was lowered to half-staff. In the evening, the police removed barriers in front of the gates of Balmoral Castle so that citizens could lay flowers.
Earlier, the kingdom had experienced anxious hours after it became known that several family members had rushed to the Queen’s side in Scotland. It was only on Tuesday that she commissioned the new British Prime Minister, Liz Truss, to form a government and gave the conservative politician her slender hand, leaning on a stick. The monarch, who was always described as extremely conscientious, seemed frighteningly gaunt and fragile.
Apparently the day had left its mark on her. The queen’s doctors are concerned about her health, but she feels well, a palace spokesman said on Thursday morning.
Although Elizabeth had no political power as a British monarch, she was considered one of the most important figures of her time. With steadfastness she led Britain through great changes. On Thursday, Pope Francis also recognized her sense of duty.
British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who recently took office, praised the Queen as “the rock on which modern Britain was built”. The Queen’s death came as a “huge shock to the nation and the world.” The country grew and prospered under her rule, Truss said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said Elizabeth II was admired around the world for her “grace, dignity and devotion”. In decades of change, she offered a “reassuring presence.” “The world will long remember her dedication and leadership.”
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier offered condolences for Germany. “Queen Elizabeth II is a woman who has shaped a century,” he wrote to the royal family, according to a spokeswoman. She experienced contemporary history and wrote it herself: “Her Majesty enjoyed the highest reputation and respect all over the world.”
Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the Queen as a “role model and inspiration for millions, including here in Germany”. Above all, Scholz emphasized her commitment “to German-British reconciliation after the horrors of the Second World War”. “She will be missed, not least her wonderful sense of humor.”
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock tweeted: “We mourn with our British friends for #QueenElizabeth II. She was a source of strength and confidence for her country for almost 100 years.” Also former chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) recognized the “outstanding importance” of the deceased. “With her death, an era comes to an end,” Merkel is quoted as saying in a statement.
When Elizabeth II became Queen in 1952, Britain was still a colonial power. In 1997 Hong Kong was handed over to China as the last major colony. The Queen later maintained contact with the former colonies through the Commonwealth.
The monarch always stayed out of political affairs. The Queen also did not comment on her country’s exit from the European Union (Brexit).
She completed hundreds of trips abroad, including several to Germany. She last visited the Federal Republic on a state visit in 2015. Her stations included Berlin, Frankfurt am Main and the former Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.
The most important trip is her visit to Ireland in 2011. This was celebrated as a gesture of reconciliation. The last time a British head of state had visited Dublin was before the country gained independence from Britain in 1911.
Elizabeth fell in love with Philip Mountbatten when she was 13. The Greek prince from a Danish-German noble family was her great support throughout her life. The marriage lasted until Philip’s death in April 2021, when he died at the age of 99.
There have always been crises and tragedies in the Queen’s family. These included the accidental death of her ex-daughter-in-law Princess Diana, but also the allegations in the abuse scandal against her son Andrew and the withdrawal of grandson Prince Harry from his royal duties. The Queen endured it all with stoic calm.
Her great passion was dogs – her corgis – and horses. She continued to climb into the saddle into old age. She did without a protective rider’s helmet and preferred a headscarf instead.
US President Joe Biden called the Queen a unique stateswoman. “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She shaped an era,” Biden said in Washington. “She endured the dangers and hardships of a world war at the side of the British people and rallied them during the devastation of a global pandemic”. And further: “Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and steadfastness, who deepened the rock-solid alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States.”
Ex US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama praised the Queen’s dedicated leadership and political legacy. “She listened well, thought strategically and was responsible for considerable diplomatic successes. And yet she carried her high titles with a certain ease.”
Years ago, meticulous plans were made for what would happen after the Queen’s death. Her state funeral is expected on Monday September 19. Before that, King Charles III. embark on a funeral journey through the United Kingdom./si/DP/zb