Queen Elizabeth II dies at 96 after historic 70-year reign, plunging Britain and a world that loved her into mourning for an unparalleled lifetime of ‘service, duty and devotion’ – and making Charles the new King
- The death of Queen Elizabeth II is announced at the age of 96, ending the longest reign of any British monarch
- Doctors became concerned about her health today – with her children and grandchildren racing to Balmoral
- World joins Britain in mourning, and celebrating, devoted sovereign who ruled the country for 70 years
- Queen’s son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, becomes King and is expected to address the nation shortly
- Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary became Queen on Feb 6 1952 aged just 25, when her father George VI died
- Her reign spanned 15 British Prime Ministers from Sir Winston Churchill to Liz Truss and 14 US Presidents
- And on September 9, 2015, she became longest-reigning British monarch, surpassing Queen Victoria’s record
- Queen dies aged 96: Follow for the latest updates from Balmoral as Britain’s Elizabeth II passes
