Queen Elizabeth II passes away at 96

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch of the UK, died on Thursday, aged 96. “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” the Royal Family said in a statement adding, “The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

She steered the monarchy through turbulent times, as Britain’s Empire ended and its place in the world fundamentally changed. The Queen was head of state of the UK and 14 other countries, including Australia, Canada and Jamaica.

The queen was born a princess but only became heir to the throne after her uncle’s abdication in 1936.

She is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren

Earlier on Thursday, the palace said that the Queen was under medical supervision at Balmoral after the doctors expressed their concern over her health. 

“Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision,” the official statement from the palace said. 

The Queen was born on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London. She was the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York—who later became King George VI—and Queen Elizabeth. 

Buckingham Palace earlier reported that doctors were concerned about the health of Elizabeth II and recommended that she remain under medical supervision. 

Meanwhile, the newly elected UK PM Liz Truss paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday after the longest-reigning monarch breathed her last aged 96. She said the late Queen leaves behind a “great legacy” and also credited her for providing the country with “stability and strength” through thick and thin.