Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for 70 years, has passed away at her Scottish residence, Balmoral Castle.

After growing concerned about her condition, her family gathered at her Scottish mansion on Thursday.

When she was crowned queen in 1952, she witnessed immense social changes.

After his mother's death, he will become the new king and head of the British Empire.

Buckingham Palace has released a short video message from the Queen following her death today.

"The King and Queen Consort will stay here tonight and will be back in London early in the morning."

After doctors placed the Queen under close medical supervision at Sandringham House, her children went to Balmoral Castle, near Aberdeen.

His grandson, Prince William, and his brother, Prince Harry are both there, on their ways.

• An obituary: A long lifetime marked by a strong desire for duty.

Her tenure as queen lasted for decades after World War Two ended, during which time she oversaw the transition from an imperial power to a commonwealth nation, the end of the cold war, and the United Kingdom's entrance into and exit from the European Union.

She was the longest serving female Prime Minister in British history. Her period of office lasted from May 1997 until July 2007.

She held weekly audiences every week during her rule.

The Queen was born at Buckingham Palace, London, on 21st April 1926.