Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch whose rule spanned seven decades, died on Thursday at the age of 96, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Elizabeth ascended to the throne in 1952, on the death of her father, King George VI. She oversaw the last throes of the British empire, weathered global upheaval and domestic scandal, and dramatically modernized the monarchy.
She died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland after doctors said they had become concerned about her health on Thursday.
Elizabeth ruled over the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth realms, and became one of the most recognizable women ever to have lived. Her son, Charles, immediately became King upon her death.
Tearful faces could be seen in outside the gates of Buckingham Palace on Thursday as news spread of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
Below, crowds gather along the road leading to the palace gates — where a statement announcing her death was just posted, per tradition.
Quiet singing of “God Save the Queen” has broken out across the gathered crowd.
Queen “died peacefully” at Balmoral Castle
The Queen died peacefully this afternoon, the Royal Family announced on its social media accounts.
Her son Charles, who is now King, will return to London on Friday.
