The longest-reigning monarch in British history and Canada’s head of state has died.
Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland after doctors expressed concerns about the 96-year-old monarch’s health.
The Royal Family, who had gathered at Balmoral Castle earlier in the day, issued a statement about the Queen’s passing on social media.
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” the statement read. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
The queen’s health had reportedly declined since the passing of her husband, Prince Phillip, in April 2021. She had also been dealing with various medical issues over the last few months, including COVID-19 and mobility issues.
The crown is now passed to King Charles III, although there’s no date set at this point for a coronation.
Flags on government buildings and other establishments across Canada have been lowered to half-mast, and the country will mark a 10-day period of mourning with a national commemorative ceremony to be held in Ottawa.
A state funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey in London, likely either September 18th or 19th.