Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch has died aged 96, Buckingham Palace said on Thursday.
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” it said in a statement.
The Queen was hospitalised earlier due to health concerns. Her family gathered at her Scottish estate after concerns grew about her health earlier on Thursday.
Her death ends a reign that spanned seven decades and made her the most recognized woman in the world.
With the queen’s death, her eldest son, Charles, becomes King Charles III, and the head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms. He said the death of his beloved mother was “a moment of great sadness”.
Details for the funeral are expected to be released by the palace soon.