Queen Elizabeth dies at 96, World Mourns Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II, who was the world’s longest-reigning monarch, has died at the age of 96.
Her death was announced by Buckingham Palace on Friday morning.
“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has passed away at Windsor Castle,” the statement said.
“The Royal Family join with people around the world to mourn her loss.”
The statement added that “further announcements” would be made in due course.
Elizabeth ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952, following the death of her father King George VI.
She became the longest-reigning monarch in 2015, and was also the oldest ever monarch at the time of her death.
Elizabeth was widely respected for her steadfastness and dedication to duty, and her long reign was seen as a symbol of stability in a period of huge social and political change.
She was also praised for her sense of humour and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
In recent years, Elizabeth had been increasingly frail and was rarely seen in public.
Her final public appearance was at a church service near her Sandringham estate in Norfolk on Christmas Day in 2019.
In April this year, she was admitted to hospital as a precautionary measure after feeling unwell.
She spent two nights in hospital before being discharged.
Elizabeth’s funeral will be held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on Saturday, April 17.
It will be a ceremonial rather than a state funeral, in line with her wishes, and she will be buried in the royal vault at St George’s.
 UK Flags at Half Mast for the Queen:
The UK flag is flying at half-mast on all government buildings as a mark of respect, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has paid tribute to Elizabeth as “an extraordinarypublic servant”.
“She was a much-loved and admired Monarch,” he said.
“Her Majesty The Queen was an extraordinary public servant and will be missed by all.”
World Leaders React to Death of Queen Elizabeth II:
US President Joe Biden also paid tribute to Elizabeth, saying she was “a beloved and revered figure around the world”.
“Over the course of her long and remarkable life, she was a constant source of stability and strength for her family, her nation, and the world,” he said.
“She was resolute in the face of adversity and unflinching in her pursuit of progress.”
Pope Francis also sent his condolences, saying Elizabeth had “served the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with a deep sense of duty”.
“I pray that God may grant her eternal rest and comfort all those who mourn her loss,” he said.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Elizabeth was “a great European”, while French President Emmanuel Macron described her as a “great lady”.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Elizabeth was “an extraordinary woman who led one of the world’s great nations with strength, intelligence, and dignity”.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Elizabeth was an “inspirational leader” to many, while Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said she was “a friend to Australia”.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Elizabeth was “an exemplary leader who embodied dignity, grace and fortitude”.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen’s death is announced by Her Majesty’s Press Secretary on behalf of The Royal Family.
“The Queen died peacefully in her sleep at Windsor Castle this morning. Her Majesty was 96 years old.
“Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, her son and daughter-in-law, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and her grandson Prince Harry are at Windsor Castle where they will stay for the duration of the period of mourning.
“Further announcements will be made in due course.”
The period of mourning will last for eight days, during which time the Union Flag will fly at half-mast on all government buildings.
Elizabeth’s funeral will be held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on Saturday, April 17.
It will be a ceremonial rather than a state funeral, in line with her wishes.
