Most people have never known another monarch or witnessed a coronation, with Elizabeth spending seven decades on the throne.
So what happens now?
Charles became King the moment his mother died, and The Ascension Council will meet at St James’ Palace in London as soon as possible to proclaim him King.
The Queen’s funeral will be held in 10 days at Westminster Abbey, and her body will be taken from Balmoral to Edinburgh, and then from there to London’s Buckingham Palace.
Her body will spend four days lying in state, where VIPs and members of the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects.
On the day of the funeral, the Queen’s coffin will be taken to Westminster Abbey while Big Ben chimes.
The UK is expected to grind to a halt on the day of her funeral. It’s unclear if public holidays will be declared across the Commonwealth.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governer-General David Hurley will travel to London as soon as possible.
Australia’s Parliament has been suspended for 15 days, in moves which are reflected across the Commonwealth.
King Charles has declared 10 days of mourning.
When will the coronation take place? What will change?
There’s no time locked in for the coronation, but it’s expected to take place in the next year.
He will be known as King Charles III, and Camilla is expected to be known as Queen Consort.
Currency will change — new coins will be minted with Charles’ face, while other seals and signs across the Commonwealth will also have to change.
The UK’s national anthem will change to God Save The King.
Will the discussion about the republic flare up again?
Many people, who champion Australia’s transition to a republic, have been biding their time, waiting for the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a popular monarch.
With the more controversial Charles on the throne, expect the discussion and debate to return.
While some might begin to discuss it immediately, most people will take time to mourn and begin discussions at a national level in the weeks or months after her funeral.
16°C