Earlier we reported that Queen Elizabeth II was on her deathbed.
As soon as that story was published, the queen passed away at the age of 96.
The Royal Family released a statement at 1:30 pm today.
“The queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.”
Queen Elizabeth was the longest-reigning monarch in British history, serving for 70 years.
Her eldest son Charles will now become King.
Many are sharing tributes following the queen’s passing.
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. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s monarch for the past 70 years, has died aged 96 https://t.co/nuFdc3PV49
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) September 8, 2022
The BBC reported on the queen’s passing:
Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.
Her family gathered at her Scottish estate after concerns grew about her health earlier on Thursday.
The Queen came to the throne in 1952 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.
In a statement, Buckingham 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.”
Queen Elizabeth II, who has died at age 96 after the longest reign in British history, will be mourned around the globe as one of the last monarchs born to a classic age of European royalty, when kings and queens wielded genuine political power. https://t.co/29MQuESvMm
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) September 8, 2022
CNN has more on the passing of the longest-reigning monarch in British history:
Queen Elizabeth II, who has died age 96 after the longest reign in British history, will be mourned around the globe as one of the last monarchs born to a classic age of European royalty, when kings and queens wielded genuine political power.
Elizabeth’s death comes seven months after she marked the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne, yet another milestone achievement in the remarkable life of a queen who, though reluctantly thrust into the spotlight at a young age, won almost universal praise for her steadfast dedication to duty.
Her long reign saw Britain transformed from a war-weary declining imperial power into a modern multi-cultural state that rarely looked to its monarch for leadership, but still held her in high esteem.
And while it witnessed its fair share of joy — not least the 2011 marriage of the Queen’s grandson Prince William to Catherine Middleton, and the birth of their three children — Elizabeth’s rule also weathered many storms, both public and personal, as the monarchy tried to keep pace with changing times.
Twitter reacts:
Queen Elizabeth was far and away the noblest and most admirable public figure in my lifetime. One fears there will not be another like her, at least not for a long time. Requiescat in pace! https://t.co/IEGjiqVlBx
— Michael Knowles (@michaeljknowles) September 8, 2022
Very saddened to learn about the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) September 8, 2022
Queen Elizabeth II is gone. Deepest condolences to her family. God bless her soul. pic.twitter.com/TFjI1yUTcN
— Kaya Jones (@KayaJones) September 8, 2022
The First Lady & I are truly saddened to hear of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
In her unrivaled, impressive reign, Queen Elizabeth II led her people, & at times the world, through historic events with the utmost dignity, grace, & valor.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 8, 2022
The world has lost an extraordinary person, Queen Elizabeth. I always respected and appreciated her energy, dedication, fortitude…her deep sense of duty….and the fact that she loved her job and her people loved her back. The true and sad end of an era….
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) September 8, 2022
The heartfelt condolences of the people of Western North Carolina go out to the citizens of Great Britain and Royal Family.
Queen Elizabeth was a sterling example of strength, beauty, and grace on the international stage.
May she rest in eternal peace with God her creator.
— Madison Cawthorn (@CawthornforNC) September 8, 2022
Remembering Queen Elizabeth II's extraordinary life. 👑 pic.twitter.com/6WhwGFjJZx
— People (@people) September 8, 2022
IN PICTURES: The life of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history. https://t.co/nnUXjXU6Ju pic.twitter.com/kc9eUzJGly
— ABC News (@ABC) September 8, 2022
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