Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96

Prince William and Kate Middleton said goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II after the monarch of 70 years died on Thursday, Sept.

8.

She was 96.

[STATEMENT TK] "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," the royal family announced.

"The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow." Her passing came hours after the monarch's family announced that her health had taken a turn and she was "under medical supervision." Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Andrew and more rushed to Scotland to be by her side as her health deteriorated.

The Duke of Cambridge, 40, is now first in the line of succession to the British throne after his dad, Prince Charles, immediately became king upon the Queen's death.

The Queen had voiced major support of William and Middleton's relationship since the beginning.

In April 2011, the sovereign gave formal consent for her grandson to tie the knot with Middleton, nearly a year after William popped the question with his late mother Princess Diana’s famed sapphire engagement ring.

"Under the Great Seal of the Realm, The Queen signed a notice of approval which proclaimed, in transcribed calligraphy, consent to the union of Our Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales, K.G.

And Our Trusty and Well-beloved Catherine Elizabeth Middleton," the palace said in a statement at the time.

Queen Elizabeth II supported the marriage of her grandson Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

The pair wed the next week at Westminster Abbey.

They have since welcomed three children: Prince George, who is now second in line to the British throne, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

[AGES TK] Amid a slew of family drama plaguing the monarchy in more recent years, including Prince Harry's royal exit and Prince Andrew's sex abuse scandal, the Queen and William managed to stay close.

In June 2021, the longest-reigning British monarch celebrated her grandson's birthday with a sweet message.

Amid recent scandals in the monarchy, the Queen has remained close to Prince William.

“Wishing The Duke of Cambridge a very Happy Birthday today!

#HappyBirthdayHRH,” read a tweet on the royal family's account along with several photos of William at several engagements over the years.

The Queen only spoke highly of Middleton, too, and conducted many of her royal duties alongside the Duchess of Cambridge, [AGE TK], throughout the years.

Likewise, Middleton showed mutual respect for the Queen, honoring her many times, including in April 2021 when she wore her husband's grandmother's pearl necklace, which Diana previously wore.

The Duke of Cambridge is now first in the succession line to the British throne.

[IF SHE DIES AFTER] William and Middleton most recently got together with the Queen to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee in June.

[INFO TK ONCE EVENT HAPPENS] The couple were at the Queen's side as she mourned the loss of her husband, Prince Philip, at his memorial in March.

The Duke of Edinburgh died at age 99 in April 2021.