King Charles’ official title confirmed as monarch ascends to the throne

KING Charles III will now be the official title for the monarch as he ascends to the throne following the death of his mother, The Queen, at 96.

Her Majesty died peacefully at Balmoral on Thursday - marking an end to her historic reign and sparking an outpouring of grief around the world.

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

The statement read: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

• 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

"The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

Later, King Charles, who will be Charles III, paid tribute to his mother.

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.

"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."

Charles is now King of England and wife Camilla, Queen Consort.

At 73, Charles is the oldest person to accede to the throne in British history.

But back in 2005, the King did consider changing his name to George when he would one day ascend to the throne.

He pondered ditching the title Charles III because of associations with some of the bloodiest periods in the monarchy's history, the Times said at the time.

The associations fall around Charles I, who was executed for treason in 1649 by the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War.

He is the only member of the monarchy to be executed.

A number of kings throughout England's history have adopted one of their middle names when they came to the throne.

In fact, four of the past seven monarchs have adopted different titles, including The Queen's father George VI, who was christened Prince Albert.

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

It comes as the Union Flag is being flown at half mast at Buckingham Palace.

And a notice of The Queen's death has also been pinned to the palace gates.

Tens of thousands of mourners flocked to Buckingham Palace to pay their respects following the tragic news.

And black cabs lined The Mall - the road leading up to the palace - in a tear-jerking tribute to Her Majesty.

Britain will now enter 12 days of mourning for our longest serving monarch.

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 on Thursday morning.

And Prince William made his way there together with Andrew, Edward and Sophie Wessex on Thursday 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.