Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

Her family had raced to Balmoral Castel, her Scottish estate, and are believed to have been with her when she passed.

 

 

 

Upon her death, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace 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.”

Prince Charles becomes King immediately. The Prime Minister will then be the first government official to make a statement. Parliament will then be suspended for 10 days.