History Today: When Queen Elizabeth II, world’s most famous monarch, died

One of the pioneer leaders of the 20th century, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, passed away on September 8, 2022, in Scotland’s Balmoral Castle. The death of Britain’s longest-serving monarch marked the end of a historic era for both the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers’ ongoing series,  History Today, will be your one-stop destination to explore key events.

The city of Florence unveiled one of the most iconic works of Renaissance art — Michelangelo’s David on this day in 1504. The grand ceremony marked the public presentation of the marble masterpiece in front of the Palazzo Vecchio.

More from Explainers

History Today: How the wreckage of the Titanic was found History Today: When Mother Teresa was declared a saint

Here is all that happened on this day.

Queen Elizabeth passed away

The longest-reigning monarch in British history, Queen Elizabeth bid adieu to the world on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96. She breathed her last at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

News of her declining health earlier that day prompted senior members of the royal family to rush to her side. Hours later, Buckingham Palace announced her passing, stating she had died peacefully. Her eldest son immediately acceded the throne as King Charles III, ushering in a new chapter for the monarchy.

“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held,” King Charles said in a statement after his mother died.

Editor’s Picks

1

Queen Elizabeth is dead: Here’s what happens for the next 10 days until her funeral 2

From Sydney Opera House to Empire State Building, touching tributes to Queen Elizabeth II

Elizabeth II ascended the throne in 1952 at just 25 years old, following the death of her father, King George VI. Her reign witnessed transformations like the end of the British Empire in the Indian subcontinent, the evolution of the Commonwealth, political upheavals, and rapid technological and societal change. Despite such challenges, she remained a symbol of continuity, resilience, and duty.

Her death set into motion a meticulously planned operation known as Operation London Bridge, outlining the period of national mourning, tributes, and funeral arrangements. Thousands of mourners gathered outside Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, laying flowers and paying respects. Leaders worldwide expressed condolences, reflecting on her role as a stabilising figure and global stateswoman.

The Queen’s funeral, held on September 19, 2022, at Westminster Abbey, was attended by dignitaries and royals from across the world. It was one of the most-watched events in modern history, highlighting her unparalleled influence.

Michelangelo’s David was unveiled in Florence

September 8 is an important day in Italy as Michelangelo’s David was unveiled in Florence in 1504. The monumental sculpture, standing over 17 feet tall, was placed outside the Palazzo della Signoria, the city’s seat of government.

Michelangelo, then only 29 years old, had been commissioned by the Florentine Republic to carve the biblical hero David from a single block of Carrara marble. This block had been left neglected for decades after two other sculptors abandoned attempts to shape it. In just over three years, Michelangelo transformed the flawed marble into a towering 17-foot statue, capturing the ideal of human beauty, strength, and divine purpose.

The choice of David as a subject was deeply symbolic. Florence, a small republic surrounded by powerful rivals, saw itself reflected in the biblical shepherd boy who defeated Goliath with intelligence and courage rather than brute strength. The statue came to represent the city’s resilience, independence, and defiance against larger adversaries.

The unveiling was a moment of great celebration. Crowds gathered to marvel at the lifelike detail of David’s musculature, posture, and intense expression. Placed in a prominent public square, the statue became both an artistic triumph and a political emblem of Florence’s republican spirit.

Over time, David has become a universal symbol of Renaissance ideals — the pursuit of human perfection, the balance between art and science, and the expression of civic virtue. Today, the original statue resides in the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, while a replica stands at its original outdoor location.

This Day, That Year

• The psychological thriller, Psycho, was released in American theatres in 1960.

• In 1941, German and Finnish armies began a siege of Leningrad.

• On this day in 1930, the American company 3M began marketing a transparent adhesive tape under the trademarked name Scotch tape.