Queen Elizabeth II dies at her beloved Balmoral Castle after reigning for 70 years

Queen Elizabeth II has died at her beloved Balmoral Castle at the age of 96.

The country’s longest-serving monarch, who reigned for 70 years, passed away at her Scottish estate this afternoon after Buckingham Palace had released a statement about her deteriorating health earlier today.

The Royal Family gathered at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire throughout the day and her death was announced in the past hour.

Her son, Charles, the country’s new King, will lead the country in a period of mourning.

He will be known as King Charles III.

In a statement, His Majesty The King said: “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.”

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.”

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

The South London Press would love to hear your tributes.

Did you ever meet the Queen? Or see her from afar? Or do you simply want to leave your well wishes?

If so we would love to hear from you. You can email our News Editor James Twomey at james@slpmedia.co.uk or call him on 0203 947 8342.

Pictured top: Queen Elizabeth II visits Haig Housing Trust in Morden to officially open its new housing development for armed forces veterans and the ex-service community in 2019 (Picture: PA)