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Reigning for 70 years, she was the UK’s longest serving monarch and now that reign has come to a close.
Queen Elizabeth II has passed away at the family’s Balmoral estate in Scotland.
Senior members of the royal family had rushed to be at her side as the 96-year-old was placed under medical supervision.
The throne passes to her son, now named King Charles III. He will lead his family and country through a period of mourning.
The King 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.”
World leaders and dignitaries have begun sending their condolences including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
“I know that I speak for people across New Zealand in offering our deepest sympathy to members of the Royal Family at the passing of the Queen,” the Prime Minister said in a statement released today.
“To us she was a much admired and respected monarch, to them she was a mother and grandmother.”
“The Queen was a much loved and admired monarch, whose record reign of 70 years is an absolute testament to her, and her commitment to us all. She was extraordinary.
“People throughout the world will be feeling an acute sense of loss at this time and New Zealanders most certainly share that grief. The Queen was a much respected constant through unprecedented global change.”
The New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro also released a statement.
“During my audience with the Queen following my swearing-in as Governor-General, I was struck by her warmth and wonderful ability to put people at ease,”
“Her Majesty displayed an abiding interest in developments in New Zealand and a strong affection for this country and its people.
“The death of Her Majesty is a great loss to the Royal Family and all the people of Her Majesty’s Realms and territories.”
An official state funeral will be expected within the next ten days, flags will fly at half-mast to mark the monarch’s death.
