Queen Elizabeth II, the country’s symbol for seven decades and the monarch with the longest reign in British history, passed away on Thursday at the age of 96, according to Buckingham Palace.
After worries about her health grew early on Thursday, her family gathered at her Scottish estate.
The Queen rose to the throne in 1952 and observed great social transformation.
After her passing, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, would take the throne as the new King and ruler of 14 Commonwealth states, leading the nation in grief.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “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.”
All the Queen’s children travelled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen, after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision.
Her grandson, Prince William, is also there, with his brother, Prince Harry, on his way.
Queen Elizabeth II’s tenure as head of state spanned post-war austerity, the transition from empire to Commonwealth, the end of the Cold War and the UK’s entry into – and withdrawal from – the European Union.
15 prime ministers served during her reign, including Liz Truss, who was chosen by the Queen earlier this week and was born 101 years after Winston Churchill in 1975.
Throughout her rule, she met with her prime minister on a weekly basis.
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born the Queen on April 21, 1926, in Mayfair, London.
May Your soul rest in perfect peace.
