British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, is dead.
Queen Elizabeth died on Thursday at the age of 96 after more than 70 years on the throne.
Her death was confirmed in a statement by the royal family.
“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,” the statement reads.
Expressing his grief in a statement issued by the palace, Charles described the queen’s passing as “a moment of sadness for him and his family”.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much beloved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,” he said.
“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.”
Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne in 1952 following the death of her father, King George VI
