The Royal Family has announced that Queen Elizabeth II died yesterday at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, having reigned as monarch for 70 years.
The former Prince of Wales King Charles III succeeds her and will take over ruling the UK and more than a dozen Commonwealth nations.
In a statement, King Charles III 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.”
A prayer and reflection service will be held at St Paul's Cathedral at 6pm today, which will be broadcast on the BBC. Prime Minister Liz Truss and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan are expected to attend. King Charles III will also give a televised address to the nation later in the day.
Employee Benefits offers its condolences to the Royal Family at this time.
