Britain’s longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, has passed away peacefully at the age of 96, Buckingham Palace announced overnight.
Her death was announced at 3.30am (6.30pm London time). Family members had rushed to Balmoral Castle, Scotland, earlier in the day after doctors expressed concern about Her Majesty’s declining health.
In a statement, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson 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.”

Her passing will see Britain enter a 10-day mourning period. The public will be given an opportunity to pay their respects, with her casket to be taken to London where she will lie in state in Westminster Hall in the Houses of Parliament for four days.
A state funeral is expected to take place on Monday, 19 September.
Prince Charles, who will now reign as King Charles III, released a statement this morning.
“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 Queen died at Balmoral Castle just 17 months after the death of her beloved husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
