Queen Elizabeth passed away peacefully at 96
Queen Elizabeth II has passed away peacefully at the age of 96.
The monarch was under medical supervision due to her deteriorating health but unfortunately died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8 at 8.30 pm local time (3.30 am AEDT).
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” The Royal Family tweeted.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
The public was notified of her death through the traditional form of a formal message placed on an easel on the railings outside the Palace.
Charles soon after ascended the throne following his mother’s death and released a statement speaking about her long reign.
“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,” His Majesty said.
“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.“
Following the devastating news, crowds broke into a solemn rendition of “God Save The Queen”, while flags outside the Palace were lowered to half mast.
It is understood that Queen Elizabeth’s body will be taken from Balmoral to Edinburgh on Friday morning UK time, before beginning the journey south to London.
There will also be a 10 day mourning period where the Queen’s coffin will lie in state at Westminster Abbey for the public to pay their respects for 23-hours a day.
Following the 10 days of mourning, the Queen will be given a full state funeral, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
During this time 10 pallbearers will practice carrying her coffin as members of the royal family are buried in lead-lined coffins.
Images: The Royal Family/Twitter