Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96.
The Queen passed away at her Scottish residence, Balmoral Castle, this afternoon (Thursday), according to Buckingham Palace.
An official statement from the Palace reads:
“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”
Queen Elizabeth II was born on 21st April 1926 and came to the throne following the sudden death of her father in 1952. She became the longest-reigning monarch in February this year when she marked her Platinum Jubilee.
The country will now enter a period of mourning and arrangements will be made for The Queen to be transported to London via Royal Train. If this is not possible, she will be flown down from Scotland.
The Prince of Wales, Charles, has become King and is expected to address the nation this evening.
King Charles has said in a statement:
“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”.
Further announcements will be made in due course.
