Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-lived & longest-reigning monarch in British history has died at the age of 96.
Buckingham Palace said Queen Elizabeth died peacefully during the afternoon.
King Charles issued a statement after the announcement.
“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.”
Family members rushed to Balmoral Castle to be with her as they learned about her ailing condition.
One of her last official acts as queen came on Tuesday when she accepted the resignation of U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and welcomed new Prime Minister Liz Truss. The meetings, however, did not take place at Buckingham Palace, as per custom, leading to speculation about her health.
She then canceled a meeting Wednesday night after she was advised to take a day of rest.
Elizabeth was the longest-reigning monarch in British history, serving over 70 years, surpassing Queen Victoria in 2015. She was also the longest-reigning female monarch in world history.