Queen Elizabeth II Has Died After 70 Years On The Throne
“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 Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has “peacefully” died at Scotland’s Balmoral Castle following growing concerns for her health. She was 96 years old.
The Royal Family confirmed the news in a formal message placed outside of Buckingham Palace at approximately 3:30am AEDT.
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” the notice read.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
King Charles — who immediately ascended to the throne following Queen Elizabeth’s passing — released a statement following the family’s loss.
“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,” His Majesty said.
“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.”
Her four children — Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward — were with her at Balmoral at the time of her passing. Her grandson Price William, as well as Prince Edward’s wife Sophie were also in attendance, while Prince Harry arrived shortly after her passing.
The UK is expected to declare a period of national mourning until the Queen’s funeral, which will take place at London’s Westminster Abbey, as per royal protocol.
Her passing comes just two days after she swore in Britain’s new Prime Minister Liz Truss.