Queen Elizabeth II, longest serving British monarch, has died
Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday that Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history and an icon instantly recognisable to billions of people worldwide, had passed away at the age of 96.
Following the queen’s record-breaking 70-year reign, her eldest son Charles, 73, assumes the throne immediately in accordance with centuries of tradition, ushering in a new, less secure chapter for the royal family.
Queen Elizabeth II was a “cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother” who would be missed around the world, says Britain’s new king, Charles III, on Thursday.
Her death was “a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family”, Charles said in a statement.
“I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”
At her Scottish estate, where she had spent the majority of the summer, she passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon.
The Queen experienced significant social change after ascending to the throne in 1952.
During the coming period of mourning, Charles said he and his family would be “comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held”.
The Queen’s grandson and now heir to the throne, Prince William, and his brother, Prince Harry, are gathered at Balmoral.
