A statement has just been issued by the Royal Family on behalf of Charles, the new King.

He writes: "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.

A statement has just been issued by the Royal Family on behalf of Charles, the new King.

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-reigning monarch, has died at the age of 96.

She died peacefully at Balmoral Castle on Thursday afternoon, the palace says

The Crown passes immediately to her son and heir Charles, who is now King however, the new King said it was a moment of "the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family".

The Queen steered the monarchy through turbulent times, as Britain’s Empire ended and its place in the world fundamentally changed.

She was head of state of the UK and 14 other countries, including Australia, Canada and Jamaica.

Born a princess, she only became heir to the throne after her uncle’s abdication in 1936.

She is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

A statement has just been issued by the Royal Family on behalf of Charles, the new King.

He writes: "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."

Source: BBC