Latest
BY HER SIDE
King Charles and Prince William rush to Balmoral to be by Queen’s side as Her Majesty dies aged 96
KING Charles, Prince William and Harry rushed to The Queen's side today as she peacefully passed away at Balmoral.
In a sombre statement, Buckingham Palace confirmed Her Majesty Elizabeth II, 96, the longest-serving monarch in British history, had passed away - making her son, Charles, King.
16
16
16
Buckingham Palace announced in a statement tonight: "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."
The UK was immediately plunged into a state of mourning, with plans for her funeral and a national day of remembrance to be announced in the coming days.
The monarch's immediate family members have been informed, the Palace said.
Prior to her death the monarch was said by Buckingham Palace to be “comfortable” at Balmoral, where she remained under medical supervision.
Clarence House confirmed King Charles and Camilla travelled to Balmoral this morning.
It comes as...
- Support for Her Majesty has flooded in from across the nation
- Earlier reports suggested that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were on the way to the Queen's Scottish bolthole together
- But sources later said Meghan would stay in London, with Prince Harry travelling alone
- The Queen is being made 'comfortable' amid concerns for her health
- The BBC has suspended all programming to focus on coverage of the Queen's health
And Prince William made his way there together with Andrew, Edward and Sophie Wessex this afternoon, as fears for the monarch's health grew.
Their plane, a Dassault Falcon, was spotted landing in Aberdeen shortly before 4pm.
The Duke of Cambridge was then seen driving the family members to Balmoral to be with Queen.
Read more on the royals
It was earlier reported that both Harry and Meghan would go to Balmoral.
But sources later said the Duchess of Sussex will remain in London, with Harry heading to see his grandmother alone.
They will be joined at the Queen's side by Princess Anne, who was already in Scotland on various engagements.
A statement said today: "Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.
"The Queen remains comfortable at Balmoral."
Camilla had been due to meet staff and patients at Maggie's in Airdrie, Lanarkshire, today but the engagement was cancelled.
Charles' helicopter was also seen landing on the grounds of Balmoral this morning.
Most read in The Sun
The announcement comes just two days after the Queen beamed while meeting new Prime Minister Liz Truss at Balmoral.
Ms Truss was among the first to wish Her Majesty well today after the formal appointment on Monday.
She said: "The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime.
"My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time."
Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle also sent the Queen his best wishes as he interrupted today's energy debate in Parliament.
It came amid hushed tones in the Commons - sparking speculation there had been an update on the Queen's health.
He said: "I know I speak on behalf of the entire House when I say that we send our best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen and that she and the royal family are in our thoughts and prayers at this moment."
Sir Lindsay added: "If there is anything else, we will update the House accordingly."
BREAK FROM TRADITION
It comes after the Queen met with Ms Truss, the 15th prime minister of her 70-year reign, at Balmoral on Monday.
Usually, the monarch would appoint prime ministers from Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle but she has been living at Balmoral for her mobility.
Holding a walking stick, Her Majesty smiled as she greeted the new PM for the traditional "kissing of the hands" ceremony.
The Queen has spent more time recently resting on doctor's orders as she continues to suffer mobility issues.
All you need to know about Queen Elizabeth...
The Queen has reigned for more than 70 years, becoming the longest-serving British monarch. But what else do we know about her?
- How old is the Queen?
- Who are the Queen's grandchildren?
- Who are the Queen's great grandchildren?
- Why was Queen Elizabeth called Lilibet?
- Who was the Queen's father George VI?
- What properties does the Queen own?
- What does ER stand for in the Queen's signature?
- What is Trooping the Colour?
- How many children does the Queen have?
Get all the latest news on Queen Elizabeth II right here
Buckingham Palace indicated earlier this year the public should no longer assume they will see her at an event.
Instead, her attendance is only confirmed on the day in question.
In October, a trip to Northern Ireland was cancelled after the Queen spent a night in hospital for "preliminary investigations."
She also pulled out of attending the Festival of Remembrance and then the Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph service due to a sprained back.
Her Majesty was also forced to miss the traditional Maundy Thursday and Easter Mattins church services.
But she left royal fans delighted back in June when she appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony for her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Politicians have today expressed their concern for the Queen, who has suffered from ill-health in recent months.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "Along with the rest of the country, I am deeply worried by the news from Buckingham Palace this afternoon.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Read More on The Sun
"My thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen and her family at this time, and I join everyone across the United Kingdom in hoping for her recovery."
While The Archbishop of Canterbury said the "prayers of the nation" are with the Queen.
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
Topics