Buckingham Palace statement in full as Her Majesty the Queen dies peacefully

The Queen has died at the age of 96 after 70 years on the throne, marking the end of an era and leaving the nation in mourning.

The news was announced by Buckingham Palace in a statement: "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 official website now carries the message: “Queen Elizabeth II 1926 – 2022”.

A statement on the site says: “The official website of the Royal Family is temporarily unavailable while appropriate changes are made.”

The Queen's life in pictures from 1953 coronation to marrying beloved husband Prince Philip

The Queen has been such an institution reigning over Great Britain and the Commonwealth realms that it's easy to forget she was never meant to rule.

Elizabeth, who was born in 1926, was the daughter of King George V's second son and was not set to take over the throne until her uncle King Edward VIII, abdicated in 1936.

His decision to marry divorced American Wallis Simpson, left his brother George VI to take over unexpectedly and once he passed away from a coronary thrombosis at the age of 56 in 1952, his daughter took the throne.

The Queen was just 25 when she stepped into a role she was never meant to undertake and she's since become the longest reigning monarch in British history.

Before even wearing the crown she became a person the nation could count on as she boosted moral during World War II with her radio broadcasts, the first of which was on the BBC's Children’s Hour. She went on to serve as a mechanic and then a driver in the women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service, showing her immense courage.

During her reign, the Queen survived several assassination attempts, helped pass the Crown Act of 2013, which states that succession will be dissociated from the gender of those in line to the throne, and balanced having four children, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, while ruling the nation.

She also weathered the storm during the "Annus Horribilis" year, which saw three of her four kids divorce, her Windsor Castle home damaged from a fire and the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Before her death, she celebrated her Platinum Jubilee and marked the occasion with a heartfelt speech on her devotion to her country.

"When it comes to how to mark 70 years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first. But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee," she shared.

Referencing her health battles over the years, she continued: "While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family.

The Queen

• 

• 

• 

• 

"I have been inspired by the kindness, joy and kinship that has been so evident in recent days, and I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come.

She signed off by thanking her subjects for their "good wishes".

"I thank you most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have all played in these happy celebrations."

READ NEXT:

• Queen’s life in pictures as OK! celebrates her remarkable life and historic 70-year reign

• 'William will be King of people’s hearts, thanks to Diana's influence,' says expert

• Queen leads tributes to Camilla as she celebrates her 75th birthday

• Queen's official duties scaled back as Buckingham Palace formally rewrites monarch's role

• For all your updates on the Royal Family, sign up to our Royal newsletter

Source: Read Full Article