Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history and an icon instantly recognisable to billions of people around the world, died at her Scottish Highland retreat on September 8 at the age of 96. Citizens across the world offer condolences after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Pic/AFP
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, who was the second-longest reigning monarch in history, after France's Louis XIV, died yesterday at the age of 96. Several leaders across the world have issued statements paying tribute to her.
Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, it is His Majesty The King's wish that a period of Royal Mourning be observed from now until seven days after The Queen's Funeral, the palace said in a statement.
A vivid rainbow temporarily lifted spirits, but the mood turned mournful at 6:30 pm (1730 GMT) as the seismic news was announced, triggering widespread cries of "oh no", according to an AFP journalist. Another rainbow appeared as the flag was lowered at her Windsor Castle residence outside London