Queen Elizabeth II has died aged 96.
Britain’s longest reigning monarch passed away amongst her immediate family at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
The Royal family first issued a statement at midday UK time saying that “The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision”.
“The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral,” they added.
The Palace has since issued confirmation of the beloved monarch’s passing with a statement reading: “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.”
The Royal Family had gathered at Balmoral to be with her at her passing. Her children, Prince Charles, Andrew, Edward, and Princess Margaret were present as well as Prince William and Prince Harry.
“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,” wrote King Charles in his first statement as the head of the UK’s monarchy. “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved mother.”
There has been no confirmation as to exactly what caused her passing, however medical experts had been concerned about her health for some time. The new UK Prime Minister, Liz Truss, travelled to Balmoral to be sworn in this week as the Queen’s ill health prevented her from moving to Buckingham Palace, the traditional place Prime Ministers are sworn in.
The Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms has left behind an extraordinary legacy, leading the country ever since her father King George VI died in 1952. Her Majesty was only 25 years old when she ascended the throne and has lived through many monumental moments throughout history.
Known to be hardworking and diligent, Queen Elizabeth dutifully supported her people and continued public engagements well into old age. Leaving behind four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, the royal family will now have to learn how to live without the head of the family.
Her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, died aged 99 last year, leaving his beloved “Lilibet” behind after a 73-year long marriage. Before being crowned the Queen, Elizabeth represented her father at the Trooping the Colour and other state occasions. But it was on October 7, 1951, when she and her husband gained the approval of the Commonwealth after a highly successful tour of Canada and Washington, D.C.
While she didn’t expect to become Queen so soon after her marriage, Her Majesty knew the importance behind the title and carried out each and every responsibility with grace and conviction.
Queen Elizabeth II’s achievements don’t just stop there as she is also the only female member of the royal family to have entered the armed forces and served in World War II.
When she turned 18 in 1944, then Princess Elizabeth insisted upon joining the army, where she trained as a truck driver and mechanic. Till today, she remains the only female member of the royal family to have served in the army.
Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth introduced many firsts, including her annual televised Christmas Broadcast. In 1957, the Queen’s Christmas Broadcast was a historic event, as it was the very first time the message was shown on television.
Queen Elizabeth II was known for her discipline and love for her people. She fought valiantly till the very end and carried out her duties with pride, may she rest in peace.
This article originally appeared on POPSUGAR Australia.
Read more stories from The Latch and subscribe to our email newsletter.