**Queen Elizabeth II Passes Away at 96, King Charles III to Assume Throne**

Buckingham Palace has just confirmed the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The sad news was announced from Balmoral in Scotland, where the Queen peacefully passed away at the age of 96.

This marks the end of an era as the beloved monarch bid farewell.

The official statement released on the Royal Family's Twitter account revealed that Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral this afternoon.

Following her passing, King Charles III and the Queen Consort will be staying at Balmoral overnight before returning to London tomorrow.

Today's events mark a significant moment in history with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

As the crown transitions to a new monarch, King Charles III steps into the role of our new head of state.

The European Bureau Chief, Hugh Whitfeld, who has extensively covered the Royal Family over the years, was present at Balmoral on September 8, 2022, when the historic transition took place.

The sequence of events leading to this momentous occasion began with the anticipation of a change in the monarchy, coinciding with the handover of the Prime Minister position.

The unexpected turn of events unfolded as Queen Elizabeth II withdrew from a Privy Council Zoom meeting, indicating a decline in her health.

This prompted swift action, with journalists like Hugh Whitfeld and his team rushing to Balmoral, becoming witnesses to history in the making.

The sudden deterioration in the Queen's health prompted urgent preparations for the transition of power, culminating in King Charles III being swiftly summoned to Balmoral.

As the news spread, the nation braced itself for the impending changes that would reshape the country and the Commonwealth.

Members of the royal family, including Prince William, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward, converged at Balmoral, along with Prince Harry, who made a last-minute dash to join his family.

The atmosphere at Balmoral was somber and poignant as news crews and locals gathered to pay their respects.

The announcement of Queen Elizabeth II's passing at 6.30 pm local time marked a solemn moment that had been anticipated for years.

The swift progression of events throughout the day underscored the profound impact of the Queen's passing and the subsequent shift in leadership.

The speed at which the events unfolded, from the Queen's final moments to the announcement of King Charles III's ascension, left a deep impression on observers.

The significance of the Palace's statement referring to the King for the first time in decades highlighted the magnitude of the changes underway.

As the country mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, preparations begin for a new chapter under the reign of King Charles III.

In the wake of Queen Elizabeth II's passing, the nation reflects on her enduring legacy and the indelible mark she left on history.

As the world mourns the loss of a beloved monarch, the transition to a new era under King Charles III signals a pivotal moment in British history.

The events of this day will be etched in the collective memory of the nation, shaping the future of the monarchy and the Commonwealth.