Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, the second-longest reigning monarch in world history, has died at age 96.
The Royal Family confirmed the news Thursday, saying "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon."
The announcement came hours after a statement from Buckingham Palace that the Queen was under medical supervision at her estate in Scotland after doctors became concerned for her health.
"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 statement said. "The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral [Castle]."
The announcement came a day after the Queen canceled a meeting of her Privy Council so she could rest, on doctor's orders. The previous day, she appointed Liz Truss as the new prime minister of the UK at her royal residence in Scotland instead of at Buckingham Palace, as is tradition, after needing to remain at Balmoral Castle due to mobility issues.
Members of the Royal family rushed to the Queen's side following the announcement, including heir to the throne Prince Charles, his wife Camilla and sons Prince William and Prince Harry, according to multiple reports.
Buckingham Palace said the Queen had been suffering from "episodic mobility problems" since late 2021. She was hospitalized in October and took two weeks of rest, then started using a cane and reduced her public appearances. In February, she tested positive for COVID-19, but palace officials said she had only experienced mild symptoms.
The Queen ruled for longer than any other monarch in British history, according to the New York Times, holding the throne since 1952. The heir is her eldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales. Next in line is her grandson, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.
The Queen is the second-longest reigning monarch in world history at 70 years. Only Louis XIV, King of France, held a longer reign at over 72 years. She would have taken over the record in May 2024.
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