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The Exact Age And Date: How Old Was Queen Elizabeth II When She Died?

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The question of "how old was Queen Elizabeth II when she died" marks the end of an era, signifying the passing of Britain's longest-reigning monarch. The world was brought to a standstill on September 8, 2022, when Buckingham Palace announced her death, an event that immediately triggered a meticulously planned series of protocols and a global outpouring of grief. Her passing at the age of 96, after seven decades on the throne, closed a chapter of history that spanned from post-World War II austerity to the modern digital age.

This article provides the definitive answer to her age and date of death, but also dives into the unique circumstances of her final hours at Balmoral Castle, the official cause of death, and the unprecedented "Operation Unicorn" that was set in motion. Understanding her age at death is just the beginning of appreciating the sheer length and impact of her historic life and reign.

The Definitive Biography and Milestones of Her Late Majesty

Queen Elizabeth II, born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, lived a life of extraordinary duty, transforming from a young princess to a global icon. Her reign was a constant presence through immense social and political change. The following is a comprehensive profile of her life.

  • Full Name: Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor
  • Born: April 21, 1926, in Mayfair, London
  • Parents: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
  • Sister: Princess Margaret (1930–2002)
  • Husband: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (married 1947; died 2021)
  • Children: King Charles III, Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh
  • Accession to the Throne: February 6, 1952 (at age 25)
  • Coronation: June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey
  • Reign Duration: 70 years and 214 days (The longest-reigning British monarch)
  • Age at Death: 96 years old
  • Date of Death: September 8, 2022
  • Location of Death: Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
  • Successor: Her eldest son, King Charles III
  • Prime Ministers Served: 15 (from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss)

Her Majesty’s life spanned nearly a century, witnessing the Great Depression, World War II—where she served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service—the dismantling of the British Empire, and the rise of the Commonwealth realms. Her 70-year reign surpassed that of Queen Victoria, solidifying her place as the United Kingdom's longest-lived and longest-serving sovereign.

The Exact Answer: Age, Date, and Final Location

The definitive answer to the core question is clear and historically significant. Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96 years old. The date of her passing was Thursday, September 8, 2022. She passed away peacefully at her beloved summer residence, Balmoral Castle, in Scotland.

The announcement came just months after the nation celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne. Her final public acts were conducted just two days before her death, when she formally appointed Liz Truss as the new Prime Minister, a moment captured in a photograph that would become one of the last images of the Queen. Her determination to fulfill her constitutional duties until the very end underscored her lifelong commitment to service.

The difference between her 96th birthday, April 21, 2022, and her death in September means she was approximately five months past her birthday when she passed. The sheer longevity of her life and reign is a central part of her legacy, making the age of 96 a number that will forever be associated with the end of the second Elizabethan era.

Operation Unicorn and the Official Cause of Death

The circumstances of the Queen's death in Scotland activated a specific, highly secretive contingency plan known as Operation Unicorn. This was the Scottish component of the overarching plan for the monarch's death, known as Operation London Bridge.

Because Her Majesty died at Balmoral, Operation Unicorn dictated that her coffin would initially rest at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, followed by a procession up the Royal Mile to St Giles' Cathedral. This unique geographical detail added a distinct Scottish flavor to the initial days of mourning, involving the Scottish Parliament and the public in a way that London Bridge alone would not have. The transfer of the Queen’s body from Scotland to London was a major logistical and ceremonial undertaking.

The Official Cause of Death: "Old Age"

Following her death, the National Records of Scotland published the official death certificate, which listed the cause of death as "Old Age." The time of death was recorded as 3:10 PM BST.

  • Official Cause: Old Age
  • Time of Death: 3:10 PM BST
  • Certifying Doctor: Dr. Douglas Glass, her official apothecary in Scotland

While "Old Age" is a common and legally acceptable cause of death for nonagenarians, it reflects a peaceful passing and a gradual decline in health rather than a sudden, specific illness. This official cause contrasts with some unconfirmed reports that suggested the Queen had been privately battling a form of cancer during her final year. However, the official record stands, confirming that the longest-serving sovereign died peacefully due to her advanced age, surrounded by her family at her Scottish retreat.

The Legacy of a 96-Year-Old Reign

Queen Elizabeth II’s death at 96 marked the end of the second Elizabethan Age, a period of immense stability for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Her legacy is defined not just by her longevity, but by her unwavering commitment to the Crown and her ability to modernize the institution while maintaining its ancient traditions.

The ceremonial period that followed, culminating in the State Funeral at Westminster Abbey and her burial at Windsor Castle alongside her husband, Prince Philip, was a final demonstration of the profound respect she commanded. The transition to the new reign of King Charles III was seamless, a testament to the stability and continuity she symbolized for 70 years. Her passing at 96 was a quiet, dignified end to a life of extraordinary public service.

how old was queen elizabeth when she died
how old was queen elizabeth when she died

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