The longest-ever reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the only monarch most of her subjects have ever known, is dead.
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor died Thursday at Balmoral Castle, her estate in Scotland. She was 96 years old.
Buckingham Palace issued black-bordered statement shortly after her death.
The statements reads: “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,” the statement said.
“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.”
She is survived by her four children – Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, and Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex-as well as eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Her eldest son and heir, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, 73, immediately became King Charles III upon her death. His wife became Queen Consort Camilla.
