London: Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-serving monarch, passed away on Thursday afternoon (UK time) at the age of 96.
Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen passed away peacefully at her Scottish estate in Balmoral after reigning for 70 years.
“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,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
All her children travelled to Balmoral after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision earlier on Thursday. Her grandson, Prince William, is also at Balomral, while his brother Prince Harry is on way.
Her eldest son Charles, former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for Commonwealth nations.
Just 48 hours ago, the Queen formally appointed Liz Truss as the next prime minister of UK. Truss had travelled to Balmoral to meet the Queen, who looked extremely frail.
