The world was in mourning last night as Queen Elizabeth II died aged 96.
After a reign of 70 years, Britain’s longest serving monarch passed away peacefully at Balmoral home with her family by her side.
The announcement of her death at 6.30pm, which was attached to the railings of Buckingham Palace read: “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.
From the moment of The Queen’s death, her eldest son and heir Charles became King Charles III.
Moments after the tragic news was announced to the world, the King, 73,
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.”
Senior royals made the urgent dash to Balmoral including Charles - the new king - his wife the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William and the Queen’s other children Princess Anne, the Duke of York and the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
Prince Harry who is in the UK on a mini European tour with his wife Meghan travelled to Balmoral separately, arriving over an hour after the official announcement was made.
Elizabeth II’s passing follows that of her late beloved husband Prince Philip, who died aged 99 last April.
Royal sources said the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing left “an immeasurable void in her heart”, but she continued with her duties steadfast until her final days.
The royal family’s grief has been echoed around the globe as world leaders last night paid their respects to The Queen and her unprecedented legacy.
Prime Minister Liz Truss was told of the Queen’s death by Cabinet Secretary Simon Case at 4.30pm while she was working in Downing Street.
She later spoke by phone with the King, offering her condolences.
Speaking in Downing Street, Ms Truss described the Queen as the “very spirit of Great Britain” before declaring: “That spirit will endure.”
She also said: “Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built. Our country has grown and flourished under her reign.
“Britain is the great country it is today because of her.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer paid his own personal tribute: “In crisis she reassured us, reminding us that we are all part of something that stretches back through time. A symbol of the best of us.”
In Edinburgh and London, thousands are now expected to gather in shock at the gates of Balmoral, Buckingham Palace and down the Mall, honouring the woman who has been a constant presence for more than seven decades, dedicating her life to public service.
The news which has sent shockwaves around the world was also announced on the royal family website and official social media pages.
Part of the long-held so-called London Bridge arrangements for the aftermath of the Queen’s death, Operation Unicorn now sets in motion additional ceremonial events in Edinburgh ahead of the logistics of moving the coffin back to London.
It is expected to take place in 10 days time, Monday September 19, at Westminster Abbey, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Despite her own ill health in recent months from late last year, the Queen had refused to give up her gruelling schedule of engagements.
Living by a personal mantra, “I have to be seen to be believed”, she appeared before her people hundreds of times every year come rain or shine, a reassuring presence as she waved and smiled at the crowds, standing out in her trademark bright outfits with matching hats.
Right up until her final days Her Majesty also worked behind the scenes, taking delivery of her red boxes of government papers every day and continuing to be Patron of almost 600 charities and organisations, despite handing some patronages to younger royals towards the end of her reign.
Despite suffering from increasing mobility problems and appearing frail while holding a stick, the Queen had remained “utterly determined” to greet her 15th Prime Minister in an audience with Liz Truss on Tuesday.
Shockwaves of The Queen’s death were felt around the world especially in the 14 overseas Commonwealth realms where she was also Head of State - and who now have Charles as their King.
Those countries, including Australia, New Zealand and Canada are expected to see mass displays of mourning as crowds gather to pay their respects.
When Elizabeth was just 21 she made a promise to the nation: “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”
It was just a few years later at the tender age of 25 that she suddenly became Queen when her father King George VI died in his sleep in the early hours of February 6 1952.
Despite her youth, and the fact she was a woman surrounded by male politicians and advisers, she immediately proved herself to be dedicated and accomplished in the role, a feat she kept up from her first Prime Minister Winston Churchill to the last Boris Johnson.
There was often speculation about whether she may abdicate in favour of Charles at some time before her death but those closest to her always rubbished the idea.
She deeply respected the Succession to the Crown Act – which she was pleased to see updated in 2013 to give female heirs the same rights to the throne as men.
As head of the Church of England and deeply religious woman she believed that the role was God-given and was to be passed on only on her death and not before.
The Queen described her role as “a job for life”. And that it was.
