Queen Elizabeth II dies ‘peacefully’ at Balmoral at 96 after historic 70-year reign plunging Britain and world into mourning for an unparalleled lifetime of ‘service, duty and devotion’ – as Charles becomes the new King

• The death of Queen Elizabeth II is announced at the age of 96, ending the longest reign of any British monarch
• Doctors became concerned about her health today – with her children and grandchildren racing to Balmoral 
• World joins Britain in mourning, and celebrating, devoted sovereign who ruled the country for 70 years
• Queen’s son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, becomes King and is expected to address the nation shortly
• Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary became Queen on Feb 6 1952 aged just 25, when her father George VI died
• Her reign spanned 15 British Prime Ministers from Sir Winston Churchill to Liz Truss and 14 US Presidents
• And on September 9, 2015, she became longest-reigning British monarch, surpassing Queen Victoria’s record
• Queen dies aged 96: Follow for the latest updates from Balmoral as Britain’s Elizabeth II passes
• Full coverage: Click here to see all our coverage of the Queen’s passing

READ HERE: Queen Elizabeth II dies at 96 after historic 70-year reign, plunging Britain and a world that loved her into mourning for an unparalleled lifetime of ‘service, duty and devotion’ – and making Charles the new King