The United Kingdom has entered a period of national mourning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8.
Her Majesty’s death marks the end of a 70-year reign, and follows the death of her husband, Prince Philip, who died earlier this year.
The statement issued by Buckingham Palace reads: “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.”
Upon her death, her eldest son Charles immediately ascended to the throne. It is expected that Charles will be officially proclaimed King on Saturday.
Here are the last moments of the Queen’s reign.
What was the Queen’s last public statement?
The Queen sent out her last public statement to Canada, following the tragedy that struck the nation, where 10 people were stabbed to death, and a further 19 were injured.
In response to the cruel news, the Queen issued a message saying: “I would like to extend my condolences to those who have lost loved ones in the attacks that occurred this past weekend in Saskatchewan.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those recovering from injuries, and grieving such horrific losses.
“I mourn with all Canadians at this tragic time.”
The statement was made on Wednesday, September 7, the day before the Queen passed away.
The Queen’s last pictures
The Queen was last pictured in the Drawing Room at Balmoral on Tuesday (September 6), where she met the new Prime Minister Liz Truss.
The Queen was seen sporting a longline cardigan and a Balmoral tartan skirt.
The tartan, designed by Prince Albert, can only be worn by members of the Royal Family, or those given permission by the Queen.
The 96-year-old monarch didn’t make any public appearances during August due to health concerns.
The public had glimpses of the Queen in June for her Platinum Jubilee celebrations and during the Ceremony of the Keys event in Edinburgh.