London Bridge is down
The UK’s longest reigning monarch, aged 96 has died at Balmoral. The union flag on top of the palace was lowered to half-mast at 18:30 BST and an official notice announcing the death was posted outside.
The royal family has entered a period of mourning. Official engagements will be cancelled and union flags will be flown at half-mast on royal residences, government buildings, across the Armed Forces and on UK posts overseas.
During her reign she had seen 15 ministers starting with Winston Churchill and ending with Ms Truss.
She was born on 21st of April 1926. She was the first child of Albert, Duke of York. Her father was not a king when she was born. But she showed a sense of responsibility to monarchy from a very young age. Following the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936, Elizabeth's father became King George VI and she became heir.
In 1947 she married Philip Mountbatten, distant cousin, who became Dukea of Edinburgh.
She was 25 when her beloved father the King had died in January 1952.
When she ascended the throne on February 6, 1952, she became President of the Community and queen of seven countries (United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan and Ceylon). She started a new Elizabethan age.
She committed her life to service. She inherited and devoted her life to the Crown. For her the family came after the monarchy. She was a distant but loving mother, Prince Charles took care of the children mosty.
Elizabeth reformed the monarchy for this less deferential age, engaging with the public through walkabouts, royal visits and attendance at public events.
Despite the opinions of many officials she appeared on television. She believed that there should be integration with the people saying “ I have to be seen to be believed”.
Thank you for the service you gave queen...