Buckingham Palace has announced that Britain's longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, has died at the age of 96.
Over the last year The Queen had been increasingly suffering from mobility issues, forcing her to pull out of many engagements, including several events earlier this year to mark her historic 70 years on the throne.
Earlier on Thursday Buckingham Palace took the unusual step of announcing that her team of doctors were "concerned" for Her Majesty's health and now it has been announced that she has passed away.
The statement, issued at 6.30pm, 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."
Prince Charles, now The King, had travelled with his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, to be with his mother at Balmoral, while Prince William and other close family members, including Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, were also present.
The United Kingdom will now enter an official period of mourning, expected to last for 10 days, with many sporting, entertainment and other cultural events now likely to be postponed.
A statement from The King - to have the regnal name King Charles III - said: "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.
"We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
"During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held."
See also:
> Major UK broadcasters clear schedules after the death of The Queen
> Man Utd, West Ham to pay tribute to The Queen tonight
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