The Queen of the United Kingdom and head of the Commonwealth died this Thursday at the age of 96, after it was announced that her health had deteriorated. Elizabeth II reigned for over 70 years and leaves an undeniable legacy in world history.

The Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, Elizabeth II, passed away this Thursday, September 8, Buckingham Palace announced.

The monarch was 96 years old and reigned for over 70 years, leaving an undeniable legacy in contemporary history. She was the longest reigning monarch in history.

The official announcement came at 6:30 pm yesterday, after it was confirmed that her health had worsened. Elizabeth II was under medical supervision in Balmoral, Scotland, where the royal family closest to the monarch traveled this afternoon.

"The Queen passed away peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," reads the official announcement posted on the royal family's website. "The king and queen-consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and return to London tomorrow," it reads.

Elizabeth II ascended the throne in 1952 and over a reign of more than seven decades saw profound social and political transformations.

Being a hereditary monarchy, the announcement of his death also symbolizes the ascension of his eldest son, Charles, to the throne. The United Kingdom and the 14 Commonwealth states now have a king for the first time in 71 years.

In his first statement, the new British monarch says the royal family mourns and grieves "the death of a much-loved sovereign and mother." "I know that her loss will be deeply felt across the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, as well as by countless people around the world," it reads.

Elizabeth II's reign spanned the post-war austerity period, the transition from empire to Commonwealth, as well as the end of the Cold War and the UK's entry (and exit) from the European Union. Over seven decades, she appointed 15 prime ministers, Winston Churchill being the first and Liz Truss, elected this week - and born 101 years after Churchill - the last.