How did Queen Elizabeth II pass away, and why were there conflicting reports about her death?

On Sept. 8, 2022, it was announced that Queen Elizabeth II had passed away at the age of 96, confirming the rumors and suspicion that had begun swirling earlier that day.

Prior to the official announcement of the Queen’s passing, developments in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, had led to misleading reports regarding the status of the Queen, the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch. Buckingham Palace had announced that she was under medical supervision at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire following a sudden health scare that led doctors to become concerned for her health. While the world waited with bated breath, we later learned that the Queen left this world “peacefully,” according to the Royal Family, marking a profoundly sad day for the United Kingdom and, indeed, the entire world.

Her Majesty’s four children ⏤ Charles, Prince of Wales, Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex ⏤ all traveled to Balmoral Castle to be at the Queen’s side in the event of her passing. Reports have indicated that senior members of the Royal Family were present, while Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, remained in London, reportedly to look after their children.

Queen Elizabeth II ruled over Britain for over 70 years after originally ascending the throne on Feb. 6, 1952, at just 25 years old. She is survived by eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. On April 9, 2021, her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, died at the age of 99.

Now that Queen Elizabeth has died, “Operation Unicorn” will be initiated, which involves burying her body in a prepared tomb at King George VI Memorial Chapel in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, alongside Prince Philip. Following her death, the country will enter a 12-day mourning period wherein the government will undergo a social media blackout.

It goes without saying that people all over the world will be mourning the Queen’s passing and holding the Royal Family and those she reigned over in their thoughts and prayers.

This article has been significantly updated from its original iteration to accommodate new information about Queen Elizabeth’s passing.