After a year of concern for the health of the United Kingdom’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II died early this morning, aged 96.
Appointed to the throne in 1952, the Queen heralded enormous change within the UK and Commonwealth countries around the world over her time.
King Charles III, the Queen’s son, said this morning that he and his family were experiencing a “great sadness” following her passing.
“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”
The Queen’s death follows her husband, Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who died over a year ago.
Last night, the Queen’s children were called to Balmoral Castle in Scotland after she was put under “medical supervision”.
It is expected that the King and his wife, Camilla – the Queen Consort, will be addressing the public today following the Queen’s death.
This morning, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “With the passing of Queen Elizabeth the Second, an historic reign and a long life devoted to duty, family, faith and service has come to an end.
“It is a day of profound sadness and grief for the Royal Family who have lost a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. The person who for so long was their greatest inner strength.
“Australian hearts go out to the people of the United Kingdom who mourn today, knowing they will feel they have lost part of what makes their nation whole.”
Prime Minister Albanese added that Queen Elizabeth faithfully served over Australia and the Commonwealth for 70 years.
