UK’s longest-serving monarch Queen Elizabeth II dies at Balmoral aged 96
ECONOMYNEXT – Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, has died on Thursday at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years, the BBC said quoting the Buckingham Palace.
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, His Majesty The King said: “The death of my beloved mother Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” BBC quoted.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”
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.”
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited Sri Lanka twice since independence first in 1953 and then in 1981. The Queen’s second visit was to attend the celebrations marking 50 years of universal adult franchise in Sri Lanka. (Colombo/Sept08/2022)
