The world held its collective breath as reports of Queen Elizabeth II’s confinement at Balmoral Castle spread. With the government citing health concerns, thousands gathered outside her summer home in support, anxiously waiting for news. At 6:30 in the evening, Queen Elizabeth II reportedly passed away. Her death at the age of 96 was sudden but not unexpected. Only a year prior did her husband, Prince Philip, pass from old age. The loss took a toll on her; Despite her grief, Elizabeth remained steadfast until the end.

Following Queen Elizabeth’s passing, Britain entered a ten-day mourning period, followed by her state funeral on September 19, 2022. Meanwhile, her eldest son, King Charles III, succeeded the throne. In his first remarks as monarch, King Charles III expressed his shared grief and promised “unswerving devotion” to British society. In doing so, he echoed the late queen’s declaration decades past. Yet, Britain remains turbulent. Amidst power outages, threatening recession, and rumors of the commonwealth’s dissolution, many greet the stability of the empire with uncertainty. Certainly, the queen’s death has caused ripples in her country and throughout the world. An end of an era, indeed.