UK’s longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has passed on at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.
Earlier on Thursday, after concerns grew about her health her family gathered at her Scottish estate.
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in 1952, Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne at the age of 26 and witnessed enormous social change.
With her death, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms.
Buckingham Palace in a statement 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.
More to follow soon.
Meanwhile, tributes have started pouring in for the longest-serving monarch in the history of the United Kingdom.