Queen Elizabeth, Queen of the United Kingdom and Britain’s longest reigning monarch, has died at the age of 96.

Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom, has died at the age of 96. She was Britain’s longest reigning monarch and the second-longest reigning sovereign monarch in the world. News of her passing was confirmed by Royal Family’s official accounts.

A statement released by the Royal Family 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.”

Concerns about the Queen’s health had been at the forefront in recent months. She had been in her Scottish residence at Balmoral since the official start of her summer break in July.

Two days ago, she received Boris Johnson at her Balmoral castle to bid him goodbye as Prime Minister, followed shortly by another meeting with then-incumbent Prime Minister Liz Truss, asking her to form a government in her name. It was the first time in her career that she had had a meeting with a new prime minster in Scotland rather than Buckingham Palace.

Concerns about her health rose anew on September 7th after she was advised by Royal doctors to rest. Earlier today, as the arrival of family members at Balmoral sent anxieties soaring, a statement from the palace said that doctors were ‘concerned’ about her health.

“Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.” the statement read.

In a statement released shortly after news of her passing was confirmed, her eldest son King Charles, formerly Prince of Wales, remembered his mother.

“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.”

World leaders have started sending in tributes for the late monarch.

“It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.” said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the people, we extend sincere condolences to the Royal family, the entire United Kingdom and the Commonwealth over this irreparable loss,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine.

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation’s continuity and unity for over 70 years,” said Emmanuel Macron, President of France. “I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.”

Micheal Martin, the Irish prime minister, also paid tribute: “The Queen’s reign was one of historic duration, immense consequence and a focus of respect and admiration around the world. Her dedication to duty and public service were self-evident and her wisdom and experience truly unique. The Queen’s passing is indeed the end of an era.”

Queen Elizabeth was born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor in London in 1926. She became heir presumptive after her father King George VI ascended to the throne following the abdication of King Edward VIII. She ascended to the throne in 1952, marking the start of a reign that lasted 70 years, saw the arrival and departure of 15 British Prime Ministers, and remarkable change in the social, political, and historical tapestry of the United Kingdom.

With her death, the crown now passes to her son Charles, former Prince of Wales, with his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, now becoming Queen Consort. King Charles is due to lead the country in mourning as the King and the Head of State of 14 commonwealth territories.

Queen Elizabeth survived her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, by a year and five months. Prince Philip died in 2021 at the age of 99 following prolonged health concerns. Their marriage lasted 74 years, and she referred to him as her “strength and stay.”

This is a developing story. 

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