Longest-serving monarch in British history dies aged 96

The death of Queen II heralds Elizabeth the reign of her son, King Charles III 

- Caroline Davies

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history, has died aged 96, drawing to a close the country's second Elizabethan era, and heralding the reign of her son, King Charles III.

The monarch, for whom abdication was never an option, died peacefully at Balmoral yesterday afternoon, two days after undertaking her final public constitutional duty with the appointment of the 15th prime minister of her 70-year reign.

Her death means Charles now becomes King, and the Duchess of Cornwall the Queen Consort.

In a statement last night, 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. 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."

All four of her children had rushed to Balmoral after Buckingham Palace announced in a statement at 12.32pm that she was under medical supervision at Balmoral, saying doctors were "concerned for her health".

Charles was the first to arrive. As the nation waited anxiously for news, the Duke of Cambridge, Duke of York, and Earl and Countess of Wessex flew from RAF Northolt, arriving at Balmoral at about 5pm. The Duke of Sussex travelled separately, arriving after the other members of the family.

At 6.30pm, Buckingham Palace announced: "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." The Buckingham Palace flag was lowered to half mast.