Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral castle in Scotland on Thursday (September 8), the Royal Family confirmed on Twitter. They tweeted, “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.”
The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W
In recent years, the Queen, 96, has suffered a handful of health-related episodes, according to CNN. Those include knee issues in 2003, removing a torn cartilage in her left knee and surgery on her right. Ten years later, the monarch was hospitalized to be treated for gastroenteritis, a common stomach bug. She sprained her back in May of 2021, missing the Remembrance Sunday service in central London. In October of that same year, she spent a night at a hospital while undergoing “preliminary investigations,” the Palace said at the time.
Earlier this year in February, the Queen contracted Covid-19 and suffered mild cold-like symptoms, so she was able to continue with light duties. Since her Covid-19 diagnosis, the Queen has been forced to more regularly cancel or slim down some events. Marking 70 years on the throne, the Queen didn’t attend all of the celebrations for June’s Platinum Jubilee and missed the state opening of Parliament the previous month due to mobility problems.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, is the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth. He is the heir apparent to the throne of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
See photos of Queen Elizabeth II through the years below:
Royal Sisters Drive Out From Balmoral
SharePrincess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and Princess Margaret (1930-2002) ride in a carriage with the King and Queen to Crathie Kirk from Balmoral Castle to attend a morning service, Scotland, 9th October 1938. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)
A Royal Pantomime
ShareThe Royal Princess Elizabeth (Elizabeth II) as 'Prince Salvador' in the Christmas production of 'Sleeping Beauty' at Windsor Castle, UK, December 1942. (Photo by Lisa Sheridan/Studio Lisa/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Elizabeth II in Canada
ShareQueen Elizabeth II sitting in the backseat of a car on her way to the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown during her visit to Canada, 6th October 1964. (Photo by Terry Fincher/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Royal Wedding In London
ShareMembers of the British royal family on the balcony at Buckingham Palace after the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten (later Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh), London, 20th November 1947. Left to right: King George VI, Princess Margaret, Lady Mary Cambridge, Elizabeth, Philip, Queen Elizabeth (later Queen Mother) and Queen Mary. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II With Lord And Lady Porchester
ShareQueen Elizabeth II holding the baby after the christening of the son of Lord Porchester (second left) and Lady Porchester (left), at St Paul's, Knightsbridge, London, December 12th 1956. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Princesses In Grosvenor Square
SharePrincess Margaret (1930- 2002, left) and her sister, Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) leaving Grosvenor Square, London, after the unveiling of the memorial to American President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 10th April 1948. (Photo by Fox Photos/PNA//Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Royals In Manchester
ShareQueen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip leave Manchester by train, 24th May 1961. (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
RADA Anniversary
ShareQueen Elizabeth II attends a performance at RADA (the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art), to celebrate the drama school's Diamond Jubilee (60th anniversary), London, UK, November 1964. (Photo by Terry Disney/Express/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II, Veronica Hurst And Rock Hudson
ShareActress Veronica Hurst, with actor Rock Hudson on her right) being presented to Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Film Performance in Leicester Square, London, October 27th 1952. (Photo by Reg Speller/Fox Photos/Getty Images)
Garter Procession At Windsor Castle
SharePrince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II wave to crowds during the Garter Procession at Windsor Castle, 1969. (Photo by Victor Blackman/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Coronation Of George VI And Elizabeth
ShareThe royal couple, with members of the royal family, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the coronation of George VI and Elizabeth (later Queen Mother) at Westminster Abbey, London, 12th May 1937. Left to right: Maids of Honour, Lady Diana Matthews (née Legge) and Lady Ursula Manners (later Lady Ursula d'Abo), Queen Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth, Queen Mary, Princess Margaret and King George VI. Also present is Henry Kitchener, 3rd Earl Kitchener, Page of Honour to George VI (second from right, partly obscured by the king). (Photo by Topical Press AgencyHulton Archive/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II And Bob Hope
ShareQueen Elizabeth II shaking hands with Bob Hope, with Mireille Mathieu, Ken Dodd and Harry Secombe in the background, at the Royal Variety Performance, London Palladium, November 13th 1967. (Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II In New Zealand
ShareQueen Elizabeth II during a visit to New Zealand, March 1970. (Photo by William Lovelace/Daily Express/Getty Images)
Princesses In Grosvenor Square
SharePrincess Margaret (1930- 2002, left) and her sister, Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) leaving Grosvenor Square, London, after the unveiling of the memorial to American President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 10th April 1948. (Photo by Fox Photos/PNA//Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Ronald Reagan and Elizabeth II
ShareAmerican politician Ronald Reagan (1911 - 2004), 40th President of the United States, and the Queen of the United Kingdom Elizabeth II at a gala dinner at Windsor Castle, UK, 9th June 1982. (Photo by McCarthy/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Churchill And The Queen
ShareBritish statesman Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965) speaks at the opening of the International Youth Centre at Chigwell, Essex, in the presence of Princess Elizabeth, who performed the opening ceremony, 12th July 1951. (Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II In France
ShareQueen Elizabeth II and Charles, Prince of Wales travel in an open top car in Avignon during a state visit to France, May 1972. (Photo by Reg Lancaster/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Trooping the Colour, 1971
ShareQueen Elizabeth II sits astride her horse Burmese as she makes her way from Buckingham Palace along the Mall to Horse Guards Parade during the Trooping the Colour ceremony on the Queen's official Birthday Parade in London, UK, 12th June 1971. (Photo by Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Royal Windsor Horse Show
ShareFrom left to right, Henry Somerset, the 10th Duke of Beaufort (1900 - 1984), Princess Elizabeth, the Duchess of Beaufort and Princess Margaret attend the first day of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, 26th June 1947. (Photo by Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II
ShareQueen Elizabeth II is saluted by the crew as she leaves her Viking airplane of the King's Flight, London Airport, June 3rd 1952. (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II And Prince Philip
ShareQueen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh wearing formal dress as they leave Parliament House during their Royal Tour of Australia, circa 1954. (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II And Prince Philip
SharePortrait of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, circa 1952. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
The Queen Visits Stirling Castle
ShareQueen Elizabeth II departs after opening the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ Museum during a visit to Stirling Castle on June 29, 2021 in Stirling, Scotland.
Royal Ascot Race Week
Share390922 02: Britain''s Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and Prince Andrew arrive in a carriage June 21, 2001 at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, England. (Photo by Anthony Harvey/Getty Images)
Queen Dances At Ball
ShareQueen Elizabeth II dancing with Air Marshal Sir John Baldwin (1892 - 1975), colonel of the 8th Hussars, at a ball held at the Hyde Park Hotel, London, 26th November 1954. The ball celebrates the centenary of the Battle of Balaclava. (Photo by Dennis Oulds/PNA/Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
The Queen in Australia
Share401615 02: Britains Queen Elizabeth II speaks at a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Australia John Howard on the first day of her visit February 27, 2002 at Festival Centre in Adelaide, Australia. The queen will formally open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting March 2 at the resort town of Coolum, north of Brisbane. (Photo by Tony Lewis/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth at Pre-Season Hockey Game
ShareVANCOUVER, B.C. - OCTOBER 6: Canadian hockey great Wayne Gretzky (2nd from R), Vancouver Canucks, Ed Jovanovski (2nd from L) and Canadian Womens Olympic winter games gold medal hockey team captain Cassie Campbell walk to the center ice with Queen Elizabeth on October 6, 2002 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Queen dropped the puck to team captains Markus Naslund (R) of the Vancouver Canucks and Mike Ricci of the San Jose Sharks (L) at a pre-season hockey game in. The Queen's visit is part of a twelve day cross Canada Golden Jubilee tour. (Photo by Don MacKinnon/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth Receives Outgoing And Incoming PMs At Balmoral
ShareABERDEEN, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Queen Elizabeth II waits in the Drawing Room before receiving newly elected leader of the Conservative party Liz Truss at Balmoral Castle for an audience where she will be invited to become Prime Minister and form a new government on September 6, 2022 in Aberdeen, Scotland. The Queen broke with the tradition of meeting the new prime minister and Buckingham Palace, after needing to remain at Balmoral Castle due to mobility issues. (Photo by Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II Visits Thames Hospice
ShareMAIDENHEAD, ENGLAND - JULY 15: Queen Elizabeth II smiles during a visit to officially open the new building at Thames Hospice on July 15, 2022 in Maidenhead, England. (Photo by Kirsty O'Connor-WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The Royal Family Visit Scotland – The Queen’s Body Guard For Scotland Reddendo Parade
ShareEDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JUNE 30: Queen Elizabeth II attending the Queen's Body Guard for Scotland (also known as the Royal Company of Archers) Reddendo Parade in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland on June 30, 2022. Members of the Royal Family are spending a Royal Week in Scotland, carrying out a number of engagements between Monday June 27 and Friday July 01, 2022. (Photo by Jane Barlow/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The Royal Family Visit Scotland – Armed Forces Act Of Loyalty Parade
ShareEDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JUNE 28: Queen Elizabeth II attends an Armed Forces Act of Loyalty Parade at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on June 28, 2022 in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Members of the Royal Family are spending a Royal Week in Scotland, carrying out a number of engagements between Monday June 27 and Friday July 01, 2022. (Photo by Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The Royal Family Visit Scotland – Ceremony Of The Keys
ShareEDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JUNE 27: Queen Elizabeth II during the traditional Ceremony of the Keys at Holyroodhouse on June 27, 2022 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Members of the Royal Family are spending a Royal Week in Scotland, carrying out a number of engagements between Monday June 27 and Friday July 01, 2022. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
The Trooping Of The Colour In London
ShareLONDON - JUNE 14: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (3L) waves to the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace as Prince William (L), Prince Harry (2L), the Duke of Edinburgh (2R) and Prince Charles look on after attending the Trooping of the Colour ceremony June 14, 2003 in London, England. The ceremony marks the Queen's official birthday. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II – PLatinum Jubilee 2022 – Platinum Jubilee Pageant
ShareLONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 05: Queen Elizabeth II waves from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant on June 05, 2022 in London, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 5, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee 2022 – Trooping The Colour
ShareLONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 02: Queen Elizabeth II smiles on the balcony during Trooping The Colour on June 02, 2022 in London, England. The Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II is being celebrated from June 2 to June 5, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II on 6 February 1952. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Royals Attend The Chelsea Flower Show 2022
ShareLONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 23: Queen Elizabeth II visits The Chelsea Flower Show 2022 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on May 23, 2022 in London, England. The Chelsea Flower Show returns to its usual place in the horticultural calendar after being cancelled in 2020 and postponed in 2021 due to the Covid pandemic. This year sees the Show celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and also a theme of calm and mindfulness running through the garden designs. (Photo by James Whatling - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II Marks Completion Of The Elizabeth Line
ShareLONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Queen Elizabeth II attends the Elizabeth line's official opening at Paddington Station on May 17, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Royal Windsor Horse Show – Day 2
ShareWINDSOR, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Queen Elizabeth II arrives at The Royal Windsor Horse Show at Home Park on May 13, 2022 in Windsor, England. The Royal Windsor Horse Show, which is said to be the Queen’s favourite annual event, takes place as Her Majesty celebrates 70 years of service. The 4-day event will include the “Gallop Through History” performance, which forms part of the official Platinum Jubilee celebrations. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
President of Switzerland Meets Queen Elizabeth II
ShareWINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Queen Elizabeth II attends an audience with the President of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis (Not pictured) at Windsor Castle on April 28, 2022 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Dominic Lipinski - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The Queen Commemorates 70th Anniversary Of Halcyon Days
ShareWINDSOR, ENGLAND - MARCH 23: Queen Elizabeth II smiles as she arrives to view a display of artefacts from British craftwork company, Halcyon Days, to commemorate the company's 70th anniversary in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, on March 23, 2022 in Windsor, England. The Queen viewed a selection of hand-decorated archive enamelware and fine bone china, including their earliest designs from the 1950s. (Photo Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The Queen Hosts A Reception At Sandringham House On The Eve Of Accession Day
ShareKING'S LYNN, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Queen Elizabeth II cuts a cake to celebrate the start of the Platinum Jubilee during a reception in the Ballroom of Sandringham House on February 5, 2022 in King's Lynn, England. The Queen came to the throne 70 years ago this Sunday when, on February 6 1952, the ailing King George VI , who had lung cancer, died at Sandringham in the early hours. (Photo Joe Giddens - by WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II Records Her Annual Christmas Broadcast
ShareWINDSOR, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Queen Elizabeth II records her annual Christmas broadcast in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle on December 23, 2021 in Windsor, England. The photograph on the desk is of The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, taken in 2007 at Broadlands, Hampshire, to mark their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. (Photo by Victoria Jones - Pool/Getty Images)
Ascot Races
ShareASCOT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 16: Queen Elizabet II during the Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse on October 16, 2021 in Ascot, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
The Queen, The Prince Of Wales And The Duchess Of Cornwall Attend The Opening Ceremony The Senedd In Cardiff
ShareCARDIFF, WALES - OCTOBER 14: Queen Elizabeth II attends the opening ceremony of the sixth session of the Senedd at The Senedd on October 14, 2021 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Jacob King-WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay Launch
ShareLONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 07: Queen Elizabeth II attends the launch of The Queen's Baton Relay for Birmingham 2022, the XXII Commonwealth Games at Buckingham Palace on October 07, 2021 in London, England. The Relay will span 294 days, and the Baton will visit all 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Commonwealth Games Federation / Birmingham 2022 )
The Queen shelters under an unbrella from the torrential rain
ShareMANCHESTER - AUGUST 4: The Queen shelters under an unbrella from the torrential rain during the Closing Ceremony of the 2002 Commonwealth Games at the City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester, England on August 4, 2002. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
The Queen Visits Edinburgh Climate Change Institute
ShareEDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JULY 01: Queen Elizabeth II smiles during a visit to the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, as part of her traditional trip to Scotland for Holyrood Week on July 1, 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The Queen And The Princess Royal Visit The Childrens Wood, Glasgow
ShareGLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JUNE 30: Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to the Children's Wood Project on June 30, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. The Children’s Wood Project is a dedicated green space designed to connect local people with nature, raise aspirations and bring the community together through outdoor activities such as gardening, beekeeping and forest schools. The Queen is visiting Scotland for Royal Week between Monday 28th June and Thursday 1st July 2021. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
The Queen Visits Stirling Castle
ShareSTIRLING, SCOTLAND - JUNE 29: Queen Elizabeth II smiles as she departs after opening the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ Museum during a visit to Stirling Castle on June 29, 2021 in Stirling, Scotland. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
The Queen And The Duke Of Edinburgh Attend the Opening of the Parliament
ShareLONDON - NOVEMBER 13, 2002: Queen Elizabeth II is driven in a golden coach down The Mall in London on November 13, 2002 to attend the opening of Parliament. (Photo by Nicolas Asfouri/Getty Images)
The Queen And The Duke Of Cambridge Attend The Ceremony of the Keys At The Palace of Holyroodhouse
ShareEDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JUNE 28: Queen Elizabeth II as she meets local volunteers and key-workers to thank them for their efforts during the pandemic in the courtyard of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, as part of her traditional trip to Scotland for Holyrood Week on June 28, 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The visit marks the first official visit north of the border since the death of her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. (Photo by Jane Barlow - Pool/Getty Images)
Queen In Canberra
ShareQueen Elizabeth II, at a State Banquet in Canberra, Australia, February 1954. The Queen is wearing a mimosa gold tulle dress patterned with an Australian wattle plant motif in gold, by English designer Norman Hartnell. (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Queen In Melbourne
ShareQueen Elizabeth II on the balcony of Government House, Melbourne, during her tour of Australia, March 1954. (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Princesses At The Derby
SharePrincess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II, centre, left) and Princess Margaret (1930 - 2002, centre, right) walking through the paddock at the Derby, Epsom Downs Racecourse, Surrey, 27th May 1950. (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Royal Ascot 2005 – Ladies Day
ShareYORK, ENGLAND - JUNE 16: HM Queen Elizabeth II , The Queen, and husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, arrive in the Royal Carriage on the third day of Royal Ascot 2005, Ladies' Day, at York Racecourse on June 16, 2005 in York, England. One of the highlights of the racing and social calendars, Royal Ascot was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne and royal patronage continues to the present day with a Royal Procession taking place in front of the grandstands each day. This year's Royal Meeting is relocated to York Racecourse due to a major redevelopment programme at Ascot, due to re-open in 2006. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II pauses to meet and
ShareAUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 26: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II pauses to meet and greet people on her walk up Waitemata Plaza in the Viaduct Harbour during her Auckland Visit, Tuesday. The Queen is in New Zealand on a five day official vist, her 10th to the Country. (Photo by Dean Purcell/Getty Images)
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II replys to the speec
ShareWELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 25: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II replys to the speeches of welcome during a State banquet at parliament house. The Queen is in New Zealand on a five day official visit, her 10th to the country. (Photo by Ross Land/Getty Images)
Margaret Thatcher – 80th Birthday Party
ShareLONDON - OCTOBER 13: Former British Prime Minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher (R) walks HM Queen Elizabeth II as they arrive for Thatcher's 80th birthday party at the Mandarin Oriental on October 13, 2005 in London, England. (Photo by Bruno Vincent/Getty Images)
State Opening Of Parliament Following The General Election
ShareLONDON - MAY 17: HRH Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh attends the State Opening of Parliament and Queen's Speech following the general election at The House of Commons on May 17, 2005 in London, England. (Photo by Anwar Hussein-Pool/Getty Images)
Tony Blair Asks Permission From The Queen To Form Government
ShareLONDON - MAY 6: (NO UK SALES FOR 28 DAYS) Newly re-elected Prime Minister Tony Blair talks with Queen Elizabeth II during an engagement at Buckingham Palace May 6, 2005 in London. Blair was visiting the Queen to ask her permission to form a new government after the Labour party won a historic third term in office. (Photo by ROTA/Anwar Hussein Collection/Getty Images)
TRH Prince Charles & The Duchess Of Cornwall Attend Blessing At Windsor
Share(EMBARGOED TO 0001 BST MONDAY APRIL 11 2005) WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 9: Clarence House official handout photo of the Prince of Wales and his new bride Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, with their families (L-R back row) Prince Harry, Prince William, Tom and Laura Parker Bowles (L-R front row) Duke of Edinburgh, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Camilla's father Major Bruce Shand, in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle after their wedding ceremony, April 9, 2005 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Hugo Burnand/Pool/Getty Images)
UK: Royal Ascot 2004 – Day One
ShareASCOT, ENGLAND - JUNE 15: Britain's Queen Elizabeth (L) and the Duke of Edinburgh attend the first day of Royal Ascot at the Ascot Racecourse on June 15, 2004 in Berkshire, England. The event has been one of the highlights of the racing and social calendar since 1711 and the royal patronage continues today with a Royal Procession taking place in front of the grandstands daily. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
President Bush Attends Banquet At Buckingham Palace
ShareLONDON - NOVEMBER 19: (NO UK SALES FOR 28 DAYS) HRH Queen Elizabeth II (2nd from L), U.S. President George W. Bush (L), First Lady Laura Bush and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh pose in the music room at Buckingham Palace on November 19, 2003 in London. The Queen was hosting a State Banquet at the Palace for the President and his wife, on the first official day of his 3-day visit to Britain. (Photo Royal Rota/Getty Images)
The Trooping Of The Colour In London
ShareLONDON - JUNE 14: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (R) smiles at the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace as Prince William (L), and Princess Anne (2L) look on after attending the Trooping of the Colour ceremony June 14, 2003 in London, England. The ceremony marks the Queen's official birthday. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth Leaves Hospital After Knee Surgery
ShareLONDON - JANUARY 14: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II leaves King Edward VII hospital with a cane after a knee operation January 14, 2003 in London. The queen, who stayed in hospital for the first time since 1982, underwent successful surgery to remove torn cartilage from her right knee. (Photo by Ian Waldie/Getty Images)
Queen’s Party of Thanks
ShareLONDON - NOVEMBER 14: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (L) and her husband Prince Philip leave after attending The Queen's Party of Thanks at the Ritz Hotel November 14, 2002 in London, England. The Queen hosted the party for close friends and family, thanking them for making her Jubilee year a success. The event was held on Prince Charles's 54th birthday. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
