Queen Elizabeth II died this afternoon, Thursday, September 8, after holding the throne for more than 70 years. She was 96 years old. The palace confirmed the news in the hours after her death, adding that the King and Queen Consort would remain at Balmoral for the evening before traveling to London on Friday.
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. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W
After Her Majesty passed, King Charles III released an official statement and the Cambridges acknowledged the Queen's death on their Instagram account. (As did a host of other world leaders and celebs.) Meghan Markle and Prince Harry also acknowledged the Queen's passing by changing their website face to say, "In loving memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022."
#Archewell.com pic.twitter.com/9LEW21SDe5
Initial reports stated that the Sussexes, who are currently in the United Kingdom, were en route to a charity event in London, but changed course to be with the family in Balmoral where the Queen was on medical supervision. Ultimately, Meghan ended up staying in England, and Harry made it to Balmoral hours after the Queen passed and Buckingham Palace publicly announced her death, according to Page Six. Similar to Meghan, Kate Middleton also didn't make the trip to Scotland since she stayed back to tend to her and Prince William's three children on their first day at a new school.
A source has shared an update stating that only Prince Harry has made the trip up to Balmoral.
Like the Duchess of Cambridge (who is in Windsor with their three children), the Duchess of Sussex is staying back in England (but still not attending tonight's WellChild Awards).
BBC reported that the Queen was put under medical supervision in her Scotland home earlier this morning. Buckingham Palace released a statement in part saying, "Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision." The statement also mentioned that Her Majesty was "comfortable."
The last time Meghan and Harry saw the Queen was in June to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee. The Queen later invited the Sussexes and their two children Archie and Lilibet to spend the summer with her at her Balmoral home.