Queen Elizabeth II is dead. The Queen died peacefully this afternoon (8 September) at her Balmoral estate in Scotland. This was announced by the royal family. The monarch was 96 years old. The King and Queen Consort remain in Balmoral tonight and will return to London tomorrow.

Her closest family members, including heir to the throne Prince Charles (73), had previously traveled to be at the side of the head of the family. Buckingham Palace announced on September 8 that the 96-year-old was "under medical supervision at Balmoral Castle" and that the doctors were "concerned about Her Majesty's health". Two days earlier, Elizabeth II had welcomed Liz Truss (47) and appointed her as the new British Prime Minister.