Queen Elizabeth II has died at Balmoral, in Scotland, aged 96, after a 70-year reign.

The UK’s longest-serving monarch came to the throne in 1952 and earlier this year the nation marked her Platinum Jubilee.

Her son Charles is now King, and will be known as King Charles III. His wife, Camilla, becomes Queen Consort.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “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.”

The Queen’s children had travelled to Scotland today after she was placed under “medical supervision” by doctors.

The Queen celebrated her Platinum Jubilee this year and is the longest reigning monarch in British history.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has paid his tribute in a statement.

He said: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II. As our longest reigning monarch, she firmly upheld the values and traditions of the British Monarchy. On behalf of the people of Wales I offer our deepest condolences to Her Majesty’s family during this sad time.”

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price offered the “deepest condolences” from his party and said: “Her Majesty the Queen’s long reign saw a period of immense change for Wales, the United Kingdom and the rest of the world. 

“Her deeply held sense of duty was recognised by millions across the globe, and many will remember her as a figure which provided comfort, stability and continuity during times of crisis.”

Meanwhile, Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies praised the monarch’s “unrivalled impact” and said her passing “will touch many families not just in the United Kingdom, but also across the Commonwealth and the world”.  

He continued: “Many of us will not have known another Head of State of our great country.  

“For many, she has been as much a part of our families as those who gather each day around the family table.”