Queen Elizabeth II, who had been Britain’s head of state for more than 70 years, has passed away at the age of 96.
The Prince of Wales is now King, having acceded to the throne immediately on the death of his mother.
In a statement, the 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.”
The monarch, whose husband Prince Philip died last year aged 99, was surrounded by her children and several of her grandchildren at her Scottish residence, Balmoral.
Her family had rushed to be at her side after she was placed under “medical supervision” amid concerns for her health….