The Queen
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died aged 96, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
The statement from Royal Communications 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.’
A statement from the Queen’s son, now King Charles, followed shortly after. It reads: ‘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.’
The first monarch in British history to reign for 70 years, the Queen celebrated her milestone Platinum Jubilee this summer, marking seven decades since her accession in 1952. Her eldest son and heir, Prince Charles, is now king.
