Simon Cowell Recalls Meeting The Queen, Admits He Doesn’t Think She Knew Who He Was: ‘It Was Amazing’

A global gathering. Queen Elizabeth II‘s state funeral was attended by leaders alike from around the globe, including President Joe Biden.

The world will be watching. Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest alongside her late husband, Prince Philip, in St George’s Chapel during her funeral on Monday, September 19.

Her Majesty the Queen ruled over Britain and the Commonwealth for 70 years, making her the longest reigning British monarch, and the fifth longest in world history. As sovereign and Head of State her unfaltering sense of duty and commitment to her role earned her enormous respect around the globe.The Queen’s devotion to a life of service meant she fulfilled her official duties well into her 90s, from hosting diplomats, ambassadors, and Heads of State, to overseeing new sessions of Parliament, bestowing awards, supporting charities, and addressing the nation during the coronavirus pandemic.

As the world prepares for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral Monday, the younger members of the royal family are preparing for their important roles in tomorrow's service. According to the order of service, 9-year-old Prince George and 7-year-old Princess Charlotte will walk in Her Majesty's funeral procession, behind their late great-grandmother's coffin. The young royals will follow behind their parents, Prince William and Duchess Kate Middelton, and in front of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during the procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. Queen Elizabeth’s funeral will be held on Monday, Sept. 19, following four days of lying in state at Westminster Hall.

Queen Elizabeth II's funeral on Monday 19 September will take place at Westminster Abbey, and King Charles III, 73, confirmed that the day will be a national bank holiday. On the morning of the sombre day, the lying-in-State period will end and the Queen’s Coffin will be taken in procession from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey, where the State Funeral Service will take place.

“… Baby One More Time” being originally sung by anyone else. But if pop impresario Simon Cowell had gotten his way, those infamous lyrics would have been delivered by one of his former UK boy bands — and not One Direction, either.

. Kate Middleton, who is also now the (a title passed down from the new ), was seen driving around during her time of mourning. Much like the rest of the royal family, the new princess was wearing all-black with large, circle sunglasses—probably in an attempt to give her a bit of privacy from the British press during the family's difficult time. The duchess, who did not see the former Queen before her death in Scotland, and instead stayed home with the children she shares with Prince William.

Following Queen Elizabeth II’s death, eldest son King Charles III has officially taken over royal duties as England’s sovereign.

The death of Britain's longest-serving monarch has instantly triggered changes that are likely to take getting used to as the Queen has been a permanent and unfaltering figure in the lives of generations. Queen Elizabeth II died, aged 96, on Thursday afternoon (September 8).

From world leaders to her closest family members, there has been a global outpouring of grief at the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. And among those sharing their memories and tributes are a host of celebs, with everyone from Joan Collins to Sting honouring The Queen and her “incomparable legacy”. Dame Joan, who had met Her Majesty and was part of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations earlier this year, took to Instagram to pay her respects.

The Queen’s son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, is now His Majesty King Charles III.

Sarah Ferguson was spotted frantically making her way back to the UK at Venice airport just hours before the Queen sadly died at Balmoral. The ex-wife of Prince Andrew had been in Italy for the Venice International Film Festival, but when news of the Queen's ill-health broke, she embarked on a return to the UK. Just hours after Sarah was pictured at the Italian airport, the Duke of York and the Wessexes were pictured arriving at Balmoral in a car being driven by Prince William.They had all flown to Aberdeen airport together on an RAF jet.

Before the world began mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, who died at 96 years old on Thursday, the monarch's closest royal family members descended upon Balmoral Castle in Scotland to pay their final respects. Newly named King Charles III, who became the reigning monarch following Queen Elizabeth's death, his wife, Camilla, and sister, Princess Anne, arrived at Balmoral early Thursday. Prince William, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, the Countess of Wessex arrived at the Scotland establishment around 5:00 p.m. local time. Following earlier reports of concern for Her Majesty's health, Buckingham Palace announced Queen Elizabeth's death in a statement following her immediate family's arrival at the castle. Her death was announced around 6:30 p.m.«The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,» Buckingham Palace revealed. «The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.»Her Majesty is survived by her children, along with eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Queen Elizabeth took the throne at 25 years old, and was officially crowned during a 1953 coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

Prince Harry arrived at Balmoral in Scotland an hour after the death of his grandmother the Queen was announced.The Duke of Sussex was seen sitting in the back of a car as he arrived to the estate to join other members of the royal family wearing a black suit and tie. Harry flew into Aberdeen Airport alone, hours after brother William and other royals arrived together on an RAF plane.

Queen Elizabeth II following her death at the age of 96. The longest reigning British monarch died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, surrounded by members of the royal family, including her four children — Prince Charles of Wales, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. The royal family announced the queen's death with an official statement on their social media pages, sharing a portrait of the late monarch. «The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,» the statement read, before referring to the newly ascended King Charles, her eldest son, who will succeed his mother on the throne.