Queen Elizabeth II Dies at 96, Ending a 70-Year Reign
On September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II, who held the title of the longest-serving monarch in British history, passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle at the age of 96. Her remarkable 70-year reign witnessed significant events, including post-WWII recovery, the Cold War, Thatcherism, and Brexit. Born as Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on April 21, 1926, she became the heir presumptive at just 10 years old following her uncle Edward VIII's abdication. She wed Prince Philip on November 20, 1947, and was the mother of four: Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward. Ascending the throne on February 6, 1952, she collaborated with 15 prime ministers, modernized the monarchy, and made history with her first televised Christmas broadcast in 1957, culminating in her Platinum Jubilee celebration in February 2022. Various artists portrayed her throughout her lifetime.
Key facts
- Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle on September 8, 2022, at age 96.
- She reigned for over 70 years, from February 6, 1952, to September 8, 2022.
- She was the longest-reigning British monarch and the longest-serving female monarch in history.
- She worked with 15 prime ministers, starting with Winston Churchill.
- She surpassed Queen Victoria's record of 63 years and 216 days on the throne in September 2015.
- She celebrated her Platinum Jubilee (70 years) in June 2022.
- She married Prince Philip on November 20, 1947; they were together 73 years until his death in 2021.
- She was depicted by numerous artists including Cecil Beaton, Andy Warhol, Lucian Freud, and Annie Leibovitz.
Entities
Artists
- Cecil Beaton
- Andy Warhol
- Jamie Reid
- Banksy
- Lucian Freud
- Chris Levine
- Hew Locke
- Annie Leibovitz
Institutions
- British royal family
- Westminster Abbey
- Sex Pistols
- London Underground
Locations
- Balmoral
- Scotland
- London
- United Kingdom
- England
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
- Commonwealth
- Bristol
- United States