After 70 years on the throne, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II passed away at 96, and her oldest child, Prince Charles, ascended to the throne.
Charles released a statement calling his mother’s passing “a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.” He further added:
I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
The announcement was shared on the Instagram account of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. They also revealed that Prince Charles had been crowned the next King of England in the wake of the “peaceful” departure of the Queen.
Followers of the royal family have speculated for years about who might succeed Elizabeth on the throne if the Queen should pass away and who would succeed Elizabeth after her.
On September 8, 2022, the queen who had been on the throne since her accession in 1952 passed away. However, her successor had already been chosen well in advance of the time she passed away.
According to a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the queen made the remarks the night before the 70th anniversary of her coronation to the British throne,
It is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.
As a result, Camilla Parker Bowles, married to Prince Charles, will henceforth be known as Princess Consort of the United Kingdom.
After Charles, the throne would go to his eldest son Prince William and then to any future children he and Duchess Kate might have.