Queen Elizabeth II
Our coverage of the death of the queen and its ramifications
After 70 years on the throne, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch died on September 8th, aged 96. Only Britons already in old age can remember singing “God Save the King” for George VI, but they will now do so for Elizabeth’s son and successor, Charles III. Life in Britain changed enormously under Elizabeth; but the monarchy adapted, and emerged stronger. On this page you will find our assessments of her reign and what the future might hold for Britain, the 14 other countries where Charles is now head of state and the wider Commonwealth.
The queen and her reign
How the death of Elizabeth II has affected Britain
The crowds of mourners aren’t a good guide
What to read to understand the British monarchy
Our former Britain correspondent suggests seven books
“The Crown” will help shape the memory of Queen Elizabeth II
It is a flattering portrait—mostly
Elizabeth II never laid down the heavy weight of the crown
Britain’s longest-serving monarch died on September 8th, aged 96
Britain’s longest-serving ruler strengthened the monarchy
Elizabeth II reigned in an era of social and political upheaval
How Britain has changed since Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953
Fewer children, fewer coal miners, less cabbage
The next chapter
Why the monarchy matters
The monarchy is an anachronism, yet it thrived under Elizabeth II. That holds lessons for her successor and for democracies elsewhere
The monarchy’s secret weapon: insincerity
What would Walter Bagehot think?
What will Charles do now?
He has had seven decades to plan for this moment
Some of the new king’s realms may become republics
The queen’s passing gives them an opportunity to break the link to the British crown
Will Charles III keep the Commonwealth going?
His mother’s favourite club will miss her
What King Charles could mean for the royal finances
He wants a smaller firm but, without more transparency, costs won’t fall