Queen Elizabeth dies at 96

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has passed away at Balmoral in Scotland at the age of 96.

She is Britain's longest reigning sovereign and the world's oldest monarch.

"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

"The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow," it added.

As well as the United Kingdom, she was also head of state in 14 Commonwealth countries around the world, including Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The late monarch further headed the Commonwealth grouping, which comprises 56 nations.

Her close family members had rushed to Scotland on Thursday after doctors placed her under medical supervision.

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. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022

With her death, her eldest son Charles, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms.

In a statement, His Majesty The King said: "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."

A statement from His Majesty The King: pic.twitter.com/AnBiyZCher

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022