Heavy hearts are being felt around the Commonwealth, and indeed the world, this morning as we wake to the news that the beloved Queen Elizabeth II has died, aged 96. The Queen passed “peacefully” at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The Royal Family confirmed the news at 3.30am AEDT. King Charles – who immediately ascended the throne following his mother’s death – issued a statement. “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.“ @gyanyankovich has more details at the link in our bio. Photo credit: Buckingham Palace