Queen Elizabeth II died today, Thursday, September 8th at age 96, Buckingham Palace has announced. News of her passing came hours after a statement from the palace that the Queen's doctors were “concerned” about her health and recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen had faced multiple recent health issues – though just this week Her Majesty was photographed smiling (but appearing frail) as she appointed the new UK Prime Minister, Liz Truss. Earlier today, members of the royal family traveled to Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Queen Elizabeth II became queen in 1952 after the death of her father, King George VI, and was the longest reigning British monarch ever. She saw Britain through more than a dozen prime ministers and an ever-changing global landscape. She was known for her stoicism, her commitment to her duties, and her love of corgis. Back in June, the UK commemorated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking her 70 years on the throne. The first British monarch to reach that milestone. Her death comes after that of her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh last April. The two had the longest marriage in British royal history. For many — in the UK and across the world — she is the only British monarch they have ever known, and a symbol of stability over the past century. And now Prince Charles, her oldest son and first in the line of royal succession, will take over the throne and lead the country into mourning. The queen leaves behind four children, eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and the people of her beloved Commonwealth. She will be missed. 👑 Head to the link in our bio for more on the news — and what happens next.