London — The flag above Buckingham Palace now flies at half-mast: Queen Elizabeth II of England is dead.
The monarch died peacefully at her family estate in Balmoral, Scotland, this afternoon. She was 96.
Earlier today, outside the palace, a growing crowd of tourists and journalists were joined by ordinary Londoners waiting for more news after the announcement of concerns about the queen’s health. There was a somber mood of expectation.
Phoebe, 21, a Londoner, told me, “I love the queen, she’s been on the throne my whole life, and more . . . She’s so important to the country and brings everyone together. It’s such sad news.”
PHOTOS: Queen Elizabeth II
After news of her death became official, hundreds became thousands. Many are carrying white lilies and other flowers with notes inside. Given such a large number of people, it is eerily quiet.
Marcus, 26, moved to the U.K. from Brazil with his family when he was 13 years old. He told me, “I came to this country with nothing and my life has completely changed because of this country. And I know she’s not [the reason] for me being here, but it’s still her era that I came into. I feel so grateful.”
“I feel like this was the one constant thing we had through all the crazy things we’ve been through,” he added. “Scary times ahead.”
As he spoke, the crowd spontaneously began singing “God Save the Queen.”