The world’s longest-serving monarch is dead: Queen Elizabeth II died Thursday at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Prince Charles has been king since the time of her death.
For 70 years, since the death of her father George VI. On February 6, 1952, Elizabeth II was Queen. For the British, the Queen was an institution that held society together. All her life Elizabeth had kept the promise she made on her 21st birthday: “All my life, short or long, I will dedicate to your service and that of the British Empire.”
‘Charles becomes king, he has no choice’
“The moment the queen dies, Prince Charles becomes king. This is automatic, there is no alternative. He has no choice, we humans have no choice, that’s what the law says. At most he could choose to resign and pass the throne to William but I think that is very unlikely he has waited long, long decades to become heir to the throne and it would be perfectly understandable that when he becomes king he would want that role too that he’s been preparing for long, long years,” said constitutional scientist Robert Hazell.
Camilla becomes the “Queen Consort”.
In addition, the Queen had announced that she did not want her son Charles to abdicate the throne. In fact, the queen wished her daughter-in-law would become queen when son Charles ascended the throne after her death. Camilla would then have to bear the title “Queen Consort” – a title last worn by Elizabeth’s mother, the Queen Mother, who died 20 years ago. The British Queen’s husband, Philip, who died last year at the age of 99, remained a ‘prince consort’ all his life – and did not become a ‘king’.
The Queen and Her Animals
The Queen was also known for her love of animals. In addition to her famous corgis, the British monarch also successfully bred horses. Her thoroughbreds won numerous prestigious races, Elizabeth II rode her ponies to the finish and was considered an excellent rider. Of course, the royal animals will remain cared for, while Princess Anne, who is no less enthusiastic about horseback riding, could look after the horses. Anne shared her mother’s passion for horses, as an event rider she took part in the Olympic Games and became European Champion in 1971.
The Secret Protocol “London Bridge Operation”
The royal protocol, codenamed “London Bridge Operation”, provides a strict sequence for the days following the Queen’s death. On the first day after the death of the Queen, the so-called Accession Council meets at 10:00 am to proclaim Prince Charles the new monarch in front of a large audience. He is then confirmed as the new king at St. James’s Palace. The next day, the Queen’s casket returns to Buckingham Palace.
The new King Charles, on the other hand, has to travel within his kingdom on the third day. First he goes to Westminster, where MPs offer him their condolences, then he travels to Edinburgh, where he meets the Scottish Parliament. The next day, Charles plans a visit to Northern Ireland, where he will attend several services.
On the fifth day after the Queen’s death, the Queen’s coffin is transported to Westminster Abbey for the dress rehearsal the following day. Meanwhile, seven days after his mother’s death, Charles must attend the Welsh Parliament and attend more services.
In the coming days, the public will finally be able to visit the Queen’s coffin at Westminster Abbey 23 hours a day. Finally, on the tenth day after the death of the Queen, the farewell ceremony takes place. A precise procedure was also prescribed for this. The Queen is buried in a completed crypt in St George’s Chapel in Windsor along with her late husband Prince Philip.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
