2022/09/19

Floral tributes left in London, England, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II

© Maja Smiejkowska/Reuters

Britain bids farewell to Queen Elizabeth II today, as her state funeral takes place in London's historic Westminster Abbey. Crowds are lining the streets to pay their final respects to the queen, who died peacefully at her Scottish residence, Balmoral, at age 96 on September 8, after more than 70 years on the throne. The royal family, world leaders, and senior UK politicians are attending the funeral, which is being broadcast across the world. After the service, the queen will be laid to rest in St. George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle, alongside Prince Philip, her beloved husband of 73 years, whom she described as her "strength and stay." Queen Elizabeth II is Britain's longest-reigning monarch, and she dedicated her life to public service through turbulent times in the nation and beyond. From jubilees and celebrations to tragedy and political upheaval, she remained a constant, steady force, balancing duty and family responsibilities in her role as the country's head of state. While Britons are sharing their loss and memories of the queen, some see it as a time to question the very existence of the monarchy, wishing to break with their colonial past by removing the British monarch as head of state and becoming a republic. All eyes are on her son King Charles III as he begins his reign, wondering whether he will follow closely in his mother's footsteps or forge a royal path of his own.