The news rocked Rockbridge County High School during sixth period Sep. 8, that the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning monarch in Britain, and she served for seven decades. Her reign started only a few years after the end of World WarⅡin 1945, and her death at age 96 marks the end of an era.

Now remembered as Britain’s Grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, for many, is the only queen they will ever know as the line to the throne is predominantly male.

England is currently in a period of national mourning that will last until the Queen’s state funeral that will take place in around ten days.

King Charles III, the new King of England, has already started the coronation process.

Government and Economics teacher, Mark Poston, shares thoughts on the Queen’s death.

“It’s certainly an emotional time across the world, and she represented so much to so many people,” said Poston.

Senior Abigail Brooks, like others, heard about the historical event during the sixth period class.

“This is genuinely a big shock to all of us,” said Brooks.

To learn more about the plans of the national mourning and the funeral, visit NBC news.