Queen Elizabeth Has Died at 96

Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday evening, Buckingham Palace announced. She was the UK’s longest-serving monarch and died at Balmoral in Scotland at age 96 after reigning for seventy years.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “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,” it was said.

All of the Queen’s children traveled to Balmoral near Aberdeen after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision.

Her grandson, Prince William, is also there, with his brother, Prince Harry, on his way.

The monarch pulled out of a virtual meeting on Wednesday a day after appointing Liz Truss as Prime Minister at her home in the Scottish Highlands. She did not travel to London for the event.

During her seventy-year reign, the Queen has typically had an audience with her new prime minister at Buckingham Palace.

A spokesperson said on Thursday: “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.”

The BBC says that it is very unusual for Buckingham Palace to put out a statement like this—it is usually unwilling to provide a commentary on the 96-year-old monarch’s medical matters, which are seen as private.

Truss said the “whole country” would be “deeply concerned” by the news.

“My thoughts—and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom—are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time,” she added.

Security guards are positioned outside the gates to Balmoral Castle where well-wishers and media have gathered following news of the Queen’s health a few hours ago.

Images show barriers being moved into place at the entrance to the monarch’s Scottish residence, where she is being kept under medical supervision, with guards checking vehicles as they arrive.

UK celebrated Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee

In June, the UK celebrated Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee. The jubilee was commemorated with a four-day holiday weekend.

In a written jubilee message, the queen thanked people in Britain and across the Commonwealth involved in organizing the celebrations.

“I know that many happy memories will be created at these festive occasions,” Elizabeth said.

“I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last [seventy] years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm,” she said.

The 96-year-old queen is Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and the first to reach the milestone of seven decades on the throne.

She has reigned as a constitutional monarch through major political changes, such as devolution in the United Kingdom, accession of the United Kingdom to the European Communities, Brexit, Canadian patriation, and the decolonization of Africa.

Greece expresses condolences

Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou expressed her condolences to Britain’s Royal Family on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in social media late on Thursday evening.

On Twitter, Sakellaropoulou wrote in English: “Queen Elizabeth’s reign has marked the modern history of Britain. She has been a true pillar of her country and has been rewarded with love and respect. My heartfelt condolences to her family and the British people. She will be missed.”

She also tagged the Royal Family’s official Twitter account in her tweet.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed his sorrow on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in social media late on Thursday evening.

On Twitter, the PM wrote in English: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The duty, service, and dedication she demonstrated throughout her reign was not just exemplary but extraordinary.”