What year is considered to be the year that the British Empire ended?

The year 1997 is considered to be the year that marked the end of the British Empire because it was when the last significant overseas territory, Hong Kong, was handed over to China. The transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong marked the final act in the process of British decolonization, symbolizing the end of British imperial rule and highlighting the diminishing influence and control the British Empire had over its former territories. Thus, 1997 is seen as a crucial milestone in the history of the British Empire, signifying its formal conclusion.