Queen Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor II has died at age 96 after reigning for 70 years.
Buckingham Palace released a statement on Thursday, Sept. 8 announcing the Queen had “died peacefully” at Balmoral, the Scottish holiday home belonging to the Royal Family.
Doctors had previously put the Queen under medical supervision Thursday morning, leading her children to all gather together. Prince William, her grandson, was also there and his brother, Price Harry, reportedly was on his way, according to BBC News.
The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and acted as the UK’s longest-serving monarch. Her rule lived through a lot of social and political change, including the transition from empire to Commonwealth, the UK’s entry into the European Union and the later withdrawal.
BBC News reported crowds had gathered outside Buckingham Palace when the Queen’s health begun its decline, and people began crying upon the news of her death.
Charles, the former Prince of Wales and the Queen’s eldest son, will act as the new King and head of state as the Commonwealth.
Buckingham Palace also announced Thursday, “The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
