Prince William, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, arrived at Balmoral Castle hours before the palace confirmed Thursday afternoon that Queen Elizabeth II had died.
The aircraft carrying the royal party landed at Aberdeen Airport just before 4 p.m. local time on Thursday and arrived at the queen’s estate almost one hour later.
They flocked to the estate after the palace announced that the queen was under medical observation due to doctors’ health concerns. Her passing was reported around 17:30 (local time).
Prince Harry, who was scheduled to attend a charity awards ceremony in London later on Thursday, canceled his attendance and made his own way to Scotland.
Prince Edward and Prince Andrew arrive at Balmoral Castle in Balmoral, Scotland, on September 8, 2022, amid fears for Queen Elizabeth’s health. CHEYNE, RUSSELL / REUTERS
In the meantime, throngs began to gather in front of Buckingham Palace in London. On the stone steps in front of the royal residence, more than a hundred people, many of them were carrying umbrellas despite the intermittent downpours, were gathered, while dozens more stood by the gates, with many more peeping through them. A rainbow was seen in the sky.
People gather outside Buckingham Palace on September 8, 2022 in London, England, as a rainbow appears. Earlier in the day, Buckingham Palace issued a statement indicating that Queen Elizabeth was under medical observation owing to health concerns. Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty Images
“The Queen died quietly at Balmoral this afternoon. This evening, the King and Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral and will return to London tomorrow “The palace issued a statement on the matter.
The 96-year-old monarch was told by physicians to rest after withdrawing from a virtual event on Wednesday.
A day earlier, she met with the new British prime minister, Liz Truss, at Balmoral. A photograph of their encounter provided by the palace revealed the monarch to be feeble, yet aware and smiling.
Since the end of last year, the queen has been battling health issues, which according to the palace mostly impact her mobility. As a result, she has limited her public appearances and activities.