Queen Elizabeth II has died aged 96, Buckingham Palace announces
Queen Elizabeth II was the longest serving mornach after over 70 years as the queen of England and the world's oldest head of state.
On her death, the Queen's eldest son and heir, Charles, the former Prince of Wales, has become King of the United Kingdom and 14 Commonwealth realms.
She was 96 at the time of her passing on Thursday, September 8 2022.
Large crowds are expected to gather outside Buckingham Palace in central London, while tributes pour in from across the country and the world. Fears had been growing as the royal family rushed to Scotland to be by the queen’s side after Buckingham Palace said she had been placed under medical supervision.
"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," the royal family said in a statement announcing the news at 6:30 p.m. local time (1:30 p.m. ET).
"The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow" the statement read, referring to Elizabeth's son, Charles.
The queen witnessed both world war I and II, cold war, as well as giving many african nations their independence including Nigeria.
The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W
