The world turns to Britain as they mourn their late Queen Elizabeth II as of her death on September 8. At the ripe age of 96, the Queen’s health took a turn for the worse, leaving the world in a state of shock and confusion.

Taking on the throne ensuing her late father during World War II, the queen served Britain longer than any other monarch in history. She celebrated her 70 years on the throne as of June 2022, when Britain lit the queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons. 

The media received the news of the queen’s health declining Thursday, September 1 as her family joined her in support during a time of medical supervision. Following the death of her husband Prince Henry on November 6, the queen began to struggle with episodic mobility problems, and her health deteriorated. 

“I remember hearing about the queen being sick last week, but honestly her death still took me by surprise. I don’t know why, but I just didn’t think she would die. Everybody in my class thought the same, and when we found out none of us believed it. I just am curious to see what will happen now with Charles taking over after her,” sophomore Lauren Tarchak said.

 Succeeding her death, her son, Charles, will step onto her plate by default and hold power over the Commonwealth Realm, which entails the United Kingdom and 14 other realms ranging from Australia to New Zealand. Soon to receive the name King Charles III, the presumed king will lead the monarchy at the age of 73, claiming the title of the oldest British monarch to wear the crown.

Several countries began their mourning, recognizing the loss of the only known British monarch in their lifetime. The mayor of Paris  shut off the lighting of the Eiffel Tower, the Brazilian government declared three days of mourning and the United Nations General Assembly and several members of the Security Council took a stand to honor the late queen with a moment of silence.

First Lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden recently released a statement honoring the queen’s role in Britain and offered their condolences to the royal family. They revealed their first interaction with the queen and reminisced on their trip overseas several years ago. Their gratefulness even extended back to the horrific tragedy of September 11, as she stood in solidarity with the United States.

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world. During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of respect and deep affection in which the queen was so widely held,” Charles said.