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Queen Elizabeth II has died. The 96-year-old was the longest-reigning monarch of the British empire, ruling for seven decades, making her the world’s oldest and longest-serving head of state. She passed away peacefully at her home in Balmoral, Scotland.
Her eldest son, Charles, said “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.”
On the Queen’s death, Charles is now the new king of the United Kingdom and the head of state of 14 other nations including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Charles’ office has confirmed that he will be known as Charles III, and his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort.
The world received news of the Queen’s deteriorating health midday Thursday in the UK. She had been suffering from what Buckingham Palace referred to as “episodic mobility problems” and had withdrawn from public engagements since the end of last year.
Her last performance of public duty happened this past Tuesday when she appointed Liz Truss as prime minister of the UK—the 15th prime minister of her reign.
Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne on 6 February 1952, at the age of 25, following the death of her father King George VI.
