Queen Elizabeth II has died in Scotland.

The United Kingdom has been developing a plan, preparing for this dreaded moment. Although this elaborate plan has been mapping out the next steps in anticipation of this event, it still has shaken Britain.

Queen Elizabeth was the longest-reigning monarch in the history of Britain. A ruler that has brought stability and progression to the UK. She has done much, even through royal scandals, the shrinking of the Empire, and massive events worldwide. Only days ago, she oversaw the appointment of her 15th prime minister.

Prince Charles is now King. The formal succession will unfold over the next ten days, the world watching as Charles’s steps from this moment give the first impressions of him as the ruling monarch. But today, the focus has been on beloved Queen Elizabeth’s passing. People now lay flowers outside Buckingham Palace in London, and people worldwide are paying tributes.

The royal family said:  “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”