Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96.
The Monarch, who ascended to the throne back in 1952 after the death of her father King George VI passed peacefully at her summer home of Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Her Majesty had been having a number of health issues over the past several years and was directed by her doctor to rest earlier today.
She was surrounded by all four of her children, including Charles, who now becomes King of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
Palace sources have said he’ll use the regnal name King Charles III.
The new King is expected to make his inaugural address at 1 p.m. Friday.
A statement from His Majesty The King: pic.twitter.com/AnBiyZCher
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 8, 2022
To mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the flags on all Government of Canada buildings and establishments, in Canada and abroad, including the Peace Tower, will fly at half-mast. #QueenElizabethII pic.twitter.com/PRdfSQN1V8
— The Crown in Canada (@TheCrownCa) September 8, 2022