BREAKING: Queen Elizabeth II of England dies at 96, Prince Charles, succeeds her as King

The longest-serving monarch in British history and an icon instantly recognisable to billions of people around the world, Queen Elizabeth II, has died aged 96, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday.

Her eldest son,  Prince Charles, 73, succeeds as king immediately, according to centuries of protocol, beginning a new, less certain chapter for the royal family after the queen’s record-breaking 70-year reign.

Queen Elizabeth II of England died at the age of 96 on Thursday, the queen was said to have died peacefully.

Crowd had gathered at the Buckingham Palace residence in London on Thursday as concern was growing over the Queen’s health.

Around 100 people braved torrential rain to stand at the palace gates, according to AFP, as senior royals rushed to Balmoral in Scotland, where the queen was being treated.

The Royal Family, announcing the death on Twitter, tweeted, “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.”

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning monarch in British history.

(Punch)