It is with sadness that we share this news from the United Kingdom
Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.
Her family gathered at her Scottish estate after concerns grew about her health earlier on Thursday.
The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.
With her death, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms.
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.”
Our thoughts are with her family and all who loved her during this incredibly sad time.
The Queen dedicated her life to public service for more than seven decades with nothing but dignity and devotion. She inspired people around the world and her passing will be felt by many.
Her love for animals was unquestionable, especially her corgis and horses she was the royal patron for more than 40 animal charities .
A very sad day on the loss of a life well lived and well loved. She will be remembered for lifetime of tireless service. A constant in a life of rapid change.
The Queen has always been in our lives. To realise she no longer is, is hard to believe. What an amazing woman she was, putting duty and service to her people and the Commonwealth before all else. So loved by so many. Being in England right now, the coming days and weeks of mourning will stay with me forever. Thank you, Ma’am, for a job well done.
Thank you, Your Majesty, for leading us through the darkest days and being a great role model for little girls around the world over the past 70 years. You were an amazing leader in a world that sorely needs great leaders.
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As a & , this is an interesting time & a bit of an odd feeling. She’s the only female monarch I pled allegiance to as a child at school, her photo looking over ppl in government offices etc, she’s on our coins/$20 bill etc.
well said @Karen_E
my 26yo daughter phoned me at 12:30am Friday morning Australian time saying I think The Queen has died. I chatted to her for a while and again during today (Friday). My daughter who is not a monachist is quite emotional over The Queen’s passing saying she embodies the perfect role model for women everywhere.
Rest In Peace.
Elizabeth the Great, they just called her on BBC.
She’s been a permanent fixture of the UK for so long. It’s crazy to think that the “old guard” is almost gone
I think it’s going to take quite awhile for it to sink in properly, even at over 60 years of age I’ve never known a time when she was not there on the throne. A truly selfless and remarkable example to everyone. Her body may be gone, but her spirit will move on. Condolences to all of her family and everyone who is feeling the loss today.
I’ve heard she got her first as a gift from her HM, her father. That would create an incredible lasting imprint of everlasting love and comfort.
So funny story, my mother was a huge follower and she loved telling everyone that she shared the same birthday as HM, the late Queen.
I was 67 years old when I found out she lied .
She was off by 2 years and 3 days.
Mum!!
Yet another childhood belief crushed!
Now if I can only find a dog to pet and feed biscuits to …
& 
, this is an interesting time & a bit of an odd feeling. She’s the only female monarch I pled allegiance to as a child at school, her photo looking over ppl in government offices etc, she’s on our coins/$20 bill etc.
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