Queen Elizabeth II announced dead

The longest serving monarch of the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth II  has died at Balmoral aged 96, after  her 70-year reign.

On Thursday, her family gathered at her Scottish estate after growing concerns grew about her health emerged earlier in the day.

The Queen has been on the throne since 1952. 

Following her death, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King.

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.”

All the Queen’s children travelled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen, after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision.

Queen Elizabeth II’s reign spanned 15 prime ministers starting with Winston Churchill, a position now held by   Liz Truss, who was appointed by the Queen earlier this week.

Hoards of people At Buckingham Palace in London, cried after hearing of her death. The Union flag on top of the palace was lowered to half-mast at 18:30 BST.

The Queen was born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, in Mayfair, London, on 21 April 1926.