Queen Elizabeth – Britain’s longest serving monarch – has died.
She was aged 96.
The Queen had spent 70 years on the throne.
She was arguably the most famous woman in the world and her death became global news.
Buckingham Palace said Her Majesty “died peacefully” this afternoon at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Her eldest son will ascend the throne as King Charles III.
His wife Camilla will be the Queen Consort.
The couple will remain at Balmoral overnight before returning to London.
Buckingham Palace reported doctors had become concerned about the Queen’s health throughout the day.
All her children – Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward – travelled to Balmoral to be with her in the last hours.
Only two days ago the Queen – albeit looking frail – formally appointed Liz Truss as Britain’s new Prime Minister.
The Queen’s death was confirmed at 18.30.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said:
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Britain and the Commonwealth will start ten days of mourning.
Across the country, union flags will be lowered, church services held, and condolence books offered for members of the public to pay their respects.
Her coffin will be moved to London on the royal train before she lies in state in Westminster Hall in the Houses of Parliament for four days.
She will be laid to rest at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to pay their respects.
Buckingham Palace will release official arrangements for the funeral in the coming days.
They will be signed off by the new King.
The state funeral is thought to be taking place at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19th.
More than 2,000 heads of state, prime ministers and presidents, European royals, and key figures from public life around the world.
Charles, who will reign as King Charles III, said today:
“The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother.
“I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
“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.”
PM Liz Truss said:
“Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built.
“Our country has grown and flourished under her reign.
“Britain is the great country it is today because of her.”
