Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, dies at 96

Queen Elizabeth II of England is dead.

The development was announced on Thursday in a statement by the royal family.

“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,” the statement reads.

Queen Elizabeth clocked 96 on April 21.

Doctors had earlier expressed concerns over the queen’s health and advised that she be closely monitored.

Her four children were reported to have flown in immediately to “be by her side” upon receipt of the news of her health.

Her passing marks an end to a reign that lasted seven decades and made her the longest-serving monarch in Britain — she ascended the throne on February 6, 1952.

In February 2022, she became the first monarch from Britain to have reigned for 70 years.

Following her passing, her eldest son, Charles, the former Prince of Wales, is expected to take the throne as the new king and ruler of 14 Commonwealth states.

As monarch, the queen is automatically granted a state funeral.

Details of the funeral are expected to be released by the palace soon.

Expressing his grief in a statement issued by the palace, Charles described the queen’s passing as “a moment of sadness for him and his family”.

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much beloved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,” he said.

“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.”