Royals begin period of mourning after death of Queen Elizabeth II

London, Sep 9 (EFE).- The United Kingdom’s royal family has entered a period of mourning that will last until seven days after the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace announced Friday.

The period of mourning was decided by King Charles III, who automatically became the head of state following Elizabeth’s death on Thursday afternoon at her summer residence Balmoral, in Scotland, at the age of 96.

“Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, it is His Majesty The King’s wish that a period of Royal Mourning be observed from now until seven days after The Queen’s Funeral,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

The period of royal mourning applies to the royal family as well as staff at royal households.

The UK government is due to outline the details of a period of national mourning.

A date for the late queen’s funeral is also due to be announced.

Crowds were gathering outside Buckingham Palace on Friday morning as members of the public paid tribute to the late monarch.

At 1pm, a 96-round gun salute is due to ring out at Hyde Park and the Tower of London, one for each year of Elizabeth’s life.

Charles, who was due to travel back to London from Balmoral, in northern Scotland, will address the nation later in the afternoon.

Charles is the first British king since George VI, his grandfather.

Elizabeth became queen in 1952, making her the longest reigning monarch in British history. EFE

prc/jt