The death of Queen Elizabeth II

 Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96, Buckingham Palace announced.

The Queen passed away while staying at Balmoral Palace in Scotland, where she was spending her summer vacation.

This came in the presence of her four children, including Crown Prince Charles.

Elizabeth II ascended the throne in 1952 and became Britain's longest-reigning monarch, surpassing Queen Victoria.

Elizabeth II was the head of 15 countries of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Her era marked the end of the British Empire abroad. It was a symbol of stability and continuity in a changing world.