How the Queen’s death was announced to the world after Her Majesty, 96, dies peacefully at Balmoral

THE Queen died peacefully today aged 96 - marking an end to her historic reign and sparking an outpouring of grief around the world.

In a sombre statement, Buckingham Palace today confirmed Her Majesty Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history, had passed away - making her son, Charles, King.

BBC newsreader Huw Edwards made the historic announcement at around 6.30pm.

Poignant images of the Queen were then shown on screen, followed by the national anthem.

The Queen's passing comes as...

• Liz Truss hailed the Queen as ‘the rock on which modern Britain was built’
• King Charles told of his 'greatest' sadness as he paid tribute to his mother
• The Queen went from a shy daddy's girl to a hero who dedicated her life to the country
• The Union flag flew at half mast as the devastating news was announced
• Prince Charles has now become King Charles III
• Prince Harry was pictured holding his head as he travelled to Balmoral to be with his family
• Crowds have gathered at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Balmoral to pay tribute to the Queen

Buckingham Palace's statement read: "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 Royal Family's website also temporarily shut down, while "appropriate changes" were made.

A message underneath the Palace's official statement and over a black background on the site, read: "The official website of the Royal Family is temporarily unavailable while appropriate changes are made."

The UK was immediately plunged into a state of mourning when the news was announced this evening, with plans for the Queen's funeral and a national day of remembrance to be announced in the coming days.

Charles, who is now King, said: “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.

“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.”

Prime Minister Liz Truss said the news was a “huge shock to the nation and the world”.

And in a statement outside Downing Street, she added it was “the passing of the second Elizabethan age,” concluding her address by saying “God save the King”.

She said: “Today the Crown passes, as it has done for more than a thousand years, to our new monarch, our new head of state, his majesty King Charles III.”

Her Majesty's passing comes after Prince Charles and Prince William raced to be by the Queen’s side after doctors confirmed they were “concerned” for her health.

Mourners began converging at Buckingham Palace around 5pm as concerns about the monarch’s health began to mount and swelled after the sad news of her death emerged.

NATION IN MOURNING

The flag at the palace was lowered to half-mast at 6.30pm as the news was announced.

And as the news was confirmed, many among the hundreds of people were gathered outside the gates began crying.

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.

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.

It was earlier reported that both Harry and Meghan would go to Balmoral.

But sources later said the Duchess of Sussex would remain in London, with Harry heading to see his grandmother alone.

The Duchess of Cambridge also stayed down south, with Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte.

A statement said earlier 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.