Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, has died.
Prince Charles, heir to the throne since the age of three, is now King, and will be officially proclaimed at St James’s Palace in London as soon as practicably possible.
Flags on buildings across Britain are being lowered to half mast as a period of official mourning is announced.
As Queen of the UK and 15 other realms, and head of the 54-nation Commonwealth, Elizabeth II was easily the world’s most recognisable head of state during an extraordinarily long reign.
More to follow over the coming days.