On September 8, Buckingham Palace officially announced that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had died at age 96.
Her reign over the United Kingdom and Commonwealth for over 70 years was longer than that of any previous monarch.
Her rule was notable not just because of its length, but also what it meant to Britons and people across the world. She oversaw a rapidly changing world, shaped by the end of World War II. Furthermore, Her Majesty played a key role in the evolution of the British Empire into the Commonwealth of Nations. In the UK, economic troubles, debates over social issues and a major question mark over the country’s future identity often divided people.
However, Queen Elizabeth II acted as a symbol of unity and stability as well as kindness and compassion throughout all of this. Regardless of one’s views on the monarchy as an institution, her death is a profound historical moment. She will be remembered for, in her words, giving her “heart and devotion” to the nation.
Queen Elizabeth II also had a valued relationship with the college. She was a patron and her late husband, His Royal Highness Prince Phillip, was a Life Governor since 1955. Queen Elizabeth often visited King’s College London and opened several of our buildings, including the Strand Building, the Maughan Library, Bush House and Somerset House East Wing.
For now, national life will be put on hold as the Royal Family enters a period of mourning. The official funeral for the Queen will be held on September 19, a national holiday.
The throne will now be inherited by King Charles III, the former Prince of Wales, who was formally proclaimed the monarch on September 10. We wish him only the best in his new role.
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