Queen Elizabeth II Has Died. What Happens Next, When Is Funeral, Charles' Coronation and More
Plans for Queen Elizabeth's death, nicknamed Operation London Bridge, have been organized and refined over the years.
What's happening
Queen Elizabeth II, 96, has died in her home at Balmoral Castle, Scotland.
Why it matters
Elizabeth was the longest reigning monarch in Britain's history. Her death marks the end of an era for the UK and has been planned for in great detail.
What's next
It's expected her funeral will be held in approximately 10 days at Westminister Abbey.
On Thursday, Queen Elizabeth II died at her home in Scotland's Balmoral Castle, Buckingham Palace has reported.
"The queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," read a tweet from the royal family on Thursday. In a separate message, her son Charles, the new king, said, "The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family."
News of Elizabeth's death, at the age of 96, came a few days after the queen appointed Liz Truss the new prime minister at Balmoral on Tuesday. Instead of taking place London, as is customary, the event took place is Scotland, which fueled speculation about the well-being of the longest-reigning British monarch.
Read more: Queen Elizabeth Tests Positive for COVID-19
While her death has stunned her subjects -- and the world -- arrangements have been meticulously planned for years.
What happens now that Queen Elizabeth II has died?
The British flag flies at half-staff at Windsor Castle following the announcement of Queen Elizabeth II's death.
The last royal funerals were in 2002, with the passing of the Queen Mother, and in 2021, with the death of Elizabeth's husband, Prince Philip. But as the longest-reigning in British history, Elizabeth will be honored with a level of pomp and precision not seen in living memory.
Dr. Huw Thomas, the queen's personal physician, was likely on hand to tend to her final hours and pronounce her death.
Information about Elizabeth's death was intentionally disseminated slowly. Edward Young, the queen's private secretary, contacted the office of Prime Minister Liz Truss. Then the Privy Council was informed and flags on government buildings were lowered to half-staff.
Prime ministers, presidents, ambassadors, governors and other officials in dozens of commonwealth countries, over which the queen has served as a figurehead, were notified.
As is custom, footmen pinned a black-edged notice on the Buckingham Palace gates announcing the queen's death, while a press announcement was simultaneously issued to global news agencies.
There has long been a radio alert transmission system in place to announce a royal's death but, in the 21st century, the news was also shared on the Buckingham Palace website and the Royal Family's Twitter account.
Bells from St. Paul's Cathedral to Westminster Abbey and beyond will toll to mark her death, and both houses of Parliament will likely convene. The two thrones in the House of Lords are being replaced with a chair and a cushion bearing the golden outline of a crown, according to The Guardian.
The days following the queen's death, known internally as "D-day," will be filled with proclamations, rituals, public mourning and her funeral -- expected to be held 10 days after her passing.
When will the queen's funeral be held?
Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, at her coronation at Buckingham Palace in 1953.
At first, the queen's body will lie in the throne room at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, about a mile from Balmoral, according to The Guardian, where the Royal Company of Archers will hold vigil.
Her coffin will then be taken to St. Giles' Cathedral for private services and, after approximately five days, be put aboard the royal train destined for London and Buckingham Palace.
A typical train ride from Waverley to London takes about five hours, but crowds will likely form all along the way, slowing their progress as workers clear flowers and other items from the tracks.
While the particulars of the queen's funeral have not been made public, it is expected to be held in Westminster Abbey approximately 10 days after her death.
Until then, she would likely lie in state in Westminster Hall, where the public could pay their respects.
The day of her funeral will be a day of national mourning in the UK, Politico reported, with many offices closed and two minutes of silence observed at noon.
After the service, Elizabeth will most likely be buried in King George VI Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle alongside her late husband, Prince Philip, whose coffin will be relocated from the royal vault.
A small committal service should be held at the chapel before the burial.
When will Prince Charles become king?
Prince Charles became king immediately after his mother's death, taking the title King Charles III. He is the the oldest British monarch to take the throne.
There will be formal pronouncements and a coronation, but because of the preparation required, Charles will likely not be crowned soon. Elizabeth became queen in February 1952 but did not have her coronation till June 1953.
Since their marriage in 2005, Charles' wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, has been known as princess consort, a title with no historical or legal precedent. Camilla is now queen consort under English common law.
While a coronation might not happen for several months, Prince Charles assumes the title of king immediately after his mother's death.
Charles is expected to introduce as Queen Camilla at his Accession Council, The Guardian reports, held on Friday, or "D+1." The council will officially proclaim him king of England on the same day.
Elizabeth declared her support for these succession plans in February, during her Platinum Jubilee.
"When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes king, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me," she said. "And it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as queen consort as she continues her own loyal service."