Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, has died peacefully 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.
Her Majesty has given this country, and its realms and commonwealth, 70 years of dedication and service. Through the course of her long reign she became the oldest sovereign in the country’s history but also its longest serving.
While the world changed dramatically around her and the nation, she remained a constant in all our lives and was a figure who offered both leadership and reassurance in times of need.
It is His Majesty The King's wish that a period of Royal Mourning be observed from now until seven days after The Queen’s Funeral, the date of which, will be confirmed in due course.
Royal Mourning will be observed by Members of the Royal Family, Royal Household staff and Representatives of the Royal Household on official duties, together with troops committed to Ceremonial Duties.