What Happens Next for the British Royal Family?

Yesterday, the news that many had long dreaded was announced: the long-reigning Queen Elizabeth passed away at age 96 at her beloved Balmoral Castle. As the world mourns the Queen, many are left wondering: What happens after the Queen dies?

Here, we at Town & Country tried to answer all your questions about what happens after the Queen’s death.

What is Balmoral Castle, the place where the Queen died?

Balmoral is a private estate owned by the royal family. It’s where Queen Elizabeth spent each summer, and it was widely believed to be her favorite residence. “I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands,” her granddaughter Princess Eugenie once shared.

As British monarch, the Queen will be given a state funeral. Her funeral is expected to take place at Westminster Abbey within two weeks her death; the exact date will be confirmed in the coming days by Buckingham Palace. Before the funeral, Queen Elizabeth’s body is expected to lie in state.

Who will be at the funeral?

The entire royal family will likely be in attendance, as will royals from around the world. British and foreign dignitaries, including all living former British prime ministers, will be in attendance.

Where will Queen Elizabeth be buried?

It’s widely expected the Queen will be laid to rest in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, where her parents and sister are interred.

Is Charles King now? What is his regnal name?

Yes, Charles is King now. He ascended to the throne immediately upon his mother’s death. There was some speculation whether or not he would go by King Charles, but Clarence House confirmed yesterday he will reign under the title King Charles III.

What is Camilla’s title?

Camilla is now the Queen Consort. Earlier this year, Queen Elizabeth weighed in the matter on her daughter-in-law’s future title. In her Platinum Jubilee message in February 2022, Queen Elizabeth wrote, “When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”

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Will Charles and Camilla live at Buckingham Palace?

Since Queen Victoria, Buckingham Palace has served as the home of the sovereign. It has a total of 775 rooms, including 52 royal and guest bedrooms and 92 offices. It is widely expected Charles and Camilla will make Buckingham Palace their official residence.

There is no date set yet for Charles’s coronation; it likely will not take place for months.

What is the Accession Council?

It is a ceremonially body made up of officials from the Privy Council, to proclaim the new monarch formally. It will be convened on Saturday, September 10, at St James’s Palace, and it will be televised for the first time in history.

Does Prince William’s role change?

Yes. Prince William is now heir apparent to the throne, and first in the British line of succession. He is now the Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge. There is no automatic succession to the title “Prince of Wales,” but it is widely expected that King Charles III will appoint his son and daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, to the Prince and Princess of Wales titles.

Do any of the royal kids’ titles change? Are Archie and Lili now a prince and princess?

The grandchildren of the monarch are entitled to be princes or princesses and have the HRH titles before there name. Therefore Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor, became Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet upon their grandfather’s accession to the throne.

Queen Elizabeth had more than 30 corgis during her lifetime. At the end of her life she had corgis named Sandy and Muick, who were reportedly a “godsend” during the pandemic. It’s unclear who the corgis will live with now.

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