The world Mourns: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Dies at the age of 96

The world mourns, as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who is until this day the longest-reigning monarch in British history and the world's oldest head of state dies at the age of 96.

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Buckingham Palace announced in an official statement on Thursday that Queen Elizabeth "died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon". The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow," Buckingham Palace said on Thursday.

Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born on April 21, 1926. At that time, nobody expected her to become Queen. She was regarded as the third in line to the royal family behind her father and uncle. During her reigns Queen Elizabeth dedicated her life to serving her country and the Commonwealth.

In a radio address in 1947 on her 21st birthday, she said: "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."

Princess Elizabeth became Queen in 1952 at the age of 25, when her father, King George VI, died.

She was head of the Commonwealth, commander-in-chief of the British Armed Forces, and supreme governor of the Church of England. She was also patron of more than 600 charities and organizations. The Queen held a number of other titles, which will now automatically pass to her son and heir.

In a statement made by the Queen's eldest son and heir Prince Charles, he 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."

Queen Elizabeth's death follows that of her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, who died at age 99 in June 2021. She will be succeeded immediately by her eldest son, Charles, who will now be the monarch.