Her Majesty's death was announced following the royal family's arrival to the Scotland castle.
Before the world began mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, who died at 96 years old on Thursday, the monarch's closest royal family members descended upon Balmoral Castle in Scotland to pay their final respects.
Newly named King Charles III, who became the reigning monarch following Queen Elizabeth's death, his wife, Camilla, and sister, Princess Anne, arrived at Balmoral early Thursday.
Prince William, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, the Countess of Wessex arrived at the Scotland establishment around 5:00 p.m. local time.
Following earlier reports of concern for Her Majesty's health, Buckingham Palace announced Queen Elizabeth's death in a statement following her immediate family's arrival at the castle. Her death was announced around 6:30 p.m.
"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," Buckingham Palace revealed. "The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
Her Majesty is survived by her children, along with eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Queen Elizabeth took the throne at 25 years old, and was officially crowned during a 1953 coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth met with numerous world leaders, including 12 U.S. presidents. Her Majesty also worked with 15 British prime ministers over her decades on the throne, including Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first female prime minister.
Queen Elizabeth, who served a historic 70 years on the throne, continued making public appearances and kept up many of her royal duties right up until her death. But in February 2022, she tested positive for COVID-19 and canceled several virtual events to focus on her health.
In June 2022, she celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne. The queen had to sit out several of the week-long festivities due to her health and mobility issues, though she made a surprise appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to close out the occasion.
For updates on Queen Elizabeth's death, visit ET's ongoing coverage here.
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