Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, has died at the age of 96, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday, September 8.

"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 statement issued on their platforms read.

Two days ago, Elizabeth II made her first public appearance since July this year, to meet new UK Prime Minister Liz Truss before the latter assumed office.

The Monarch’s death was announced shortly after a royal statement was issued indicating concerns over the Queen’s health.

After the announcement of her death, tributes to her long life and record-breaking reign have since poured in, triggering 10 days of national mourning.

Her eldest son, Charles, succeeds as king immediately.

In 1952, Queen Elizabeth came to the throne and has ruled Britain for 70 years, making her the longest reigning monarch in the UK and the second in the whole world.