Leaving a legacy behind was British monarch and queen mother, Queen Elizabeth II. At her Scotland estate, she passed away at the age of 96. The announcement, shared by the Buckingham Palace, reads: “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.”

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In a statement posted earlier, the palace confirmed Her Majesty’s health condition, saying that it is indeed of high importance to monitor her medical state. “Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.”

For seven long decades, the longest-reigning British royalty served as head of state to Great Britain, besting her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria. The Queen, who in world history also hails as the second longest-leading sovereign, follows France’s King Louis IV. King Charles III, to whom the crown is passed, is now the new successor to the regal seat.

After a lifetime of preparation in line with his ascent to the throne, His Majesty and the next monarch takes on the functions of the nation’s figurehead. His wife, Camilla, assumes the role of Queen consort. Charles’s formal coronation and proclamation, though, is slated to take place maybe months away. The accession ceremonies will be carried out as soon as possible. In a statement penned by Charles, he commemorated:

“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,” Charles concluded. Public figures and political dignitaries are anticipated to descend on London following the late monarch’s passing. The memorial rites are scheduled to run in ten days’ time.

Lead photos from @theroyalfamily

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