Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-serving monarch, dies aged 96 after 70-year reign

BALMORAL, Scotland – Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and the nation’s figurehead for seven a long time, died at her house in Scotland aged 96 on Thursday.

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” Buckingham Palace stated in a press release. “The King and The Queen Consort will stay at Balmoral this night and can return to London tomorrow.”

Elizabeth’s eldest son Charles, 73, mechanically turns into king of the UK and the top of state of 14 different realms together with Australia, Canada and New Zealand. His spouse Camilla turns into Queen Consort.

Information that the queen’s well being was deteriorating emerged shortly after noon on Thursday when her docs stated she was below medical supervision, prompting the royal family to rush to be by her side at her Scottish house, Balmoral.

The queen had been affected by what Buckingham Palace has known as “episodic mobility issues” for the reason that finish of final 12 months, forcing her to withdraw from nearly all her public engagements.

Her final public engagement got here solely on Tuesday, when she appointed Liz Truss prime minister – her 15th premier.

At her palaces and at authorities buildings throughout London, flags had been lowered to half-mast.

An announcement was issued by the Royal Household on behalf of Charles, the brand new King, who stated the demise of his mom was “a second of the best disappointment for me and all members of my household.”

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mom.

“I do know her loss will probably be deeply felt all through the nation, the Realms and the Commonwealth and by numerous folks around the globe.

“Throughout this era of mourning and alter, my household and I will probably be comforted and sustained by our data of the respect and deep affection during which the Queen was so broadly held.”

British Prime Minister Liz Truss, talking simply two days after the queen appointed her the UK’s new chief. stated Queen Elizabeth was internationally “liked and admired”.

“The demise of Her Majesty the Queen is a big shock to the nation and to the world,” Truss stated in a brief deal with on the steps of Downing Avenue.