Queen Elizabeth II Dies aged 96

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

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” Buckingham Palace said In a statement on Thursday.

Her death brings to an end the longest reign in the history of the United Kingdom.

Elizabeth II became Queen on the death of her father King George VI on 6 February 1952

The Crown passes immediately to her son and heir Charles, who will officially be known as King Charles III, according to the BBC.

In a statement issued by the Royal Family on behalf of Charles, the new king 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.”

On Friday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extended his condolences over the passing of the Queen o behalf of the Government and people of Ethiopia.

“I extend deepest condolences to the British Royal Family, the Government and the people of Great Britain on the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II,” the PM said in a tweet.

Queen Elizabeth II is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Featured Image Caption: The Queen’s 70-year reign has ended, and her eldest son, Charles, is now King of the UK. [Photo Reuters]