Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth II, who has ruled Britain for the longest time, has passed away, according to Buckingham Palace.

a symbol of stability in a turbulent era

who ruled for 70 years, seen the fall of the British empire, and experienced chaos within her own family

passed away on Thursday. She was 96.

The palace announced she died at Balmoral Castle,

her summer residence in Scotland

where members of the royal family had rushed to her side after her health took a turn for the worse.

Her 73-year-old son Prince Charles automatically became king and will be known as King Charles III

Charles' second wife, Camilla, will be known as the Queen Consort.

A funeral was to be held after 10 days of official mourning

The BBC played the national anthem

God Save the Queen,

Her passing will have a profound and unanticipated effect on both the country and the monarchy.