On Thursday, September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at age 96.
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. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
At 1:30 PM ET, the Royal Family released a statement that read, “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.”
Although many mourned the passing of the longest-reigning monarch in U.K. history, some were comforted by the sight of a rainbow appearing over Buckingham Palace shortly before the news of her passing was announced to the public.
A Rainbow Appeared Over Buckingham Palace Shortly Before Queen Elizabeth II Passed Away
As the flag is lowered to half mast over Windsor Castle an incredible rainbow appears over the castle, for a few minutes and then just like that it was gone…. pic.twitter.com/nOIQCAxWQQ
— Chris Jackson (@ChrisJack_Getty) September 8, 2022
Social media was full of photographs and video of the rainbow. Royal photographer Chris Jackson shared one photo from Getty Images, writing, “As the flag is lowered to half mast over Windsor Castle an incredible rainbow appears over the castle, for a few minutes and then just like that it was gone….”
Rainbow at Buckingham Palace. pic.twitter.com/qHNJMcj5UH
— Andy Lines (@andylines) September 8, 2022
Daily Mirror Chief Reporter Andy Lines also shared a brief video clip of the rainbow over Buckingham Palace.
A double rainbow over the Thames pic.twitter.com/Bi0mGLIWyp
— Claire Ellicott (@ClaireEllicott1) September 8, 2022
Political editor Claire Ellicott shared a striking image of a double rainbow that appeared over the Thames.
Her Majesty the Queen sent us three rainbows at the exact time she crossed that bridge.
One at Balmoral, one at Windsor castle, and a double #rainbow over Buckingham Palace.
She is letting us know she made it, and all will be well 🌈🌈🌈#TheQueen #HerMajesty theQueen #rainbow pic.twitter.com/YDIha1cAek— Skagirl77 (@skagirl77) September 8, 2022
One user who felt comforted by the sign of the rainbows said that there was one spotted at Balmoral, where she passed, one at Windsor Castle, and a double rainbow that appeared over Buckingham Palace. “She is letting us know she made it, and all will be well,” they tweeted.
A double rainbow shimmered across the crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace. When the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death broke, after a hush, people broke into “God Save the Queen.” https://t.co/XgIbaYjsEL pic.twitter.com/g0Q3ZDsNuv
— The New York Times (@nytimes) September 8, 2022
The New York Times also reported that a double rainbow appeared over Buckingham Palace, causing a hush over the crowd that had gathered in mourning to sing “God Save The Queen” in her memory.
Celebrities Pay Tribute To The Queen: ‘She Was An Inspiring Presence To Be Around’
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) September 8, 2022
Sir Elton John released a lengthy statement on social media shortly after the news of her passing was announced.
“Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing,” it read. “She was an inspiring presence to be around and led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency, and a genuine caring warmth.”
“Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly,” he added.
Most British people have never known another monarch, so she’s been a thread winding through all our lives. She did her duty by the country right up until her dying hours, and became an enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world. She’s earned her rest. #TheQueen
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 8, 2022
“Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling tweeted, “Some may find the outpouring of British shock and grief at this moment quaint or odd, but millions felt affection and respect for the woman who uncomplainingly filled her constitutional role for seventy years.”
“Most British people have never known another monarch, so she’s been a thread winding through all our lives,” she continued. “She did her duty by the country right up until her dying hours, and became an enduring, positive symbol of Britain all over the world. She’s earned her rest. #TheQueen.”
I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen. With a heavy heart I say it is devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II pic.twitter.com/JZYXGRz2hb
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) September 8, 2022
Musician Ozzy Osbourne shared a photo of a much younger Queen, tweeting, “I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen. With a heavy heart I say it is devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II.”
Even Paddington Bear, who recently celebrated the Platinum Jubilee with the Queen in June, tweeted, “Thank you Ma’am, for everything.”
Indeed. Thank you, ma’am, for everything. 🙏😥😢 pic.twitter.com/jx8O42ecic
— Martine Nouche 💛🇺🇦💙🌻 (@MartineNouche) September 8, 2022