Elizabeth reigned for 70 years after taking the throne at the age of 25. Queen Elizabeth II, the world's second-longest reigning monarch, died on Thursday at the age of 96
The Queen died peacefully this afternoon in Balmoral," the palace said on Thursday. "The King and Queen will remain in Balmoral tonight and return to London tomorrow. "
Elizabeth is Britain's oldest monarch, serving as queen for a record 70 years and is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Her late husband Prince Philip, 73, died on April 9, 2021.
Elizabeth's eldest son, Prince Charles, succeeded her as the monarch of the United Kingdom. As king, he also received the titles of defender of her faith and supreme governor of the Church of England. Elizabeth's grandson Prince William and his son Prince George are now the first and second thrones respectively.
During her reign, the monarch also served as head of the Commonwealth of more than 50 nations.
While the role is not hereditary, Charles was approved by the group's head of government as his mother's successor in April 2018. Elizabeth told the group it was her "sincere desire" for Charles to succeed her.
In December 2007, Elizabeth broke the record for longest-lived British monarch set by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, who died in 1901 at the age of 81. In September 2015, Elizabeth became Britain's longest-reigning monarch. Former champion Victoria reigned for 63 years.
Elizabeth is the second longest reigning monarch in the world after Louis XIV of France.
In February 2017, she celebrated her Sapphire Jubilee, the first British monarch to do so. That November, she became the first British monarch to celebrate her 70th wedding anniversary. On February 6, 2022, she celebrated the platinum jubilee of her 70th year in office.
One of the most popular monarchs in British history, the Queen is globally recognized as a symbol of the British monarchy and its resilience in a changing world.
"In the difficult days ahead, we will join our friends from across the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world to celebrate her extraordinary career of service. It was a day of loss, but Queen Elizabeth II left a huge legacy, ' added Truss.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who stepped down a few days ago, expressed an emotional tribute, calling the Queen's death "the saddest day" in Britain. As if she could live forever, he said.