Washington, DC – The longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, has died at the age of 96.
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow,” said the statement from Buckingham Palace.
The Palace issued a statement from King Charles III, saying, “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.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered as a stalwart of our times. She provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people. She personified dignity and decency in public life. Pained by her demise. My thoughts are with her family and people of UK in this sad hour.”
Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, visited India three times as state guests. Her first visit to India was in 1961, when she was the guest of honor at India’s first Republic Day parade. Her second state visit was in 1983, and the last in 1997 to mark the 50th anniversary of India’s independence.
