After going under medical supervision at the advice of her doctors over health concerns, Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. She was 96.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the news on social media at 2:30 p.m. Atlantic Time.
With her death, Charles, the Queen’s eldest son and the former Prince of Wales, will become the new king and head of state for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
Queen Elizabeth II was the U.K.’s longest-serving monarch, celebrating her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne, this year.
She came to power at 25 years old in 1952 after the death of King George VI.
In a statement released by His Majesty on Twitter, he said the death of his mother is “a moment of the greatest sadness for him and all members of his family.”
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother,” read the statement issued by King Charles III.
“I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”
Buckingham Palace said the King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral Thursday evening and return to London on Friday.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters in Vancouver, B.C. that the Queen had an “obvious, deep, abiding love and affection for Canadians.
“As her 12th Canadian prime minister, I’m having trouble believing that my last sit-down with her was my last,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a press conference in Vancouver, B.C.
“Canada is in mourning. She was one of my favourite people in the world and I will miss her.”