Queen Elizabeth II, the longest serving monarch in United Kingdom’s history, has passed away aged 96. The news was officially communicated by Palace officials about an hour ago. The Queen was under medical observation for several days, as her health started to severely deteriorate starting early this week. Her family gathered at her Scottish estate after concerns grew about her health earlier on Thursday.
Having come to the the throne in 1952, the queen reigned United Kingdom and the commonwealth realm for over seven decades, making her the longest serving monarch in British history. With her death, her eldest son, Charles, becomes King Charles III, and the head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms, reported by BBC. He said the death of his beloved mother was “a moment of great sadness”.
In a statement, His Majesty the King 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.”
The Queen passed away at her remote Balmoral home in Scotland. In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.”
The Palace statement further added, “The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Early Thursday morning, doctors had put the Queen under medical supervision, post which all of her children travelled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen.
