Buckingham Palace, London, Announces Death Of Queen Elizabeth II.

The UK’s longest serving monarch, of 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II, has passed away peacefully at Balmoral near Aberdeen, in Scotland, aged 96 years.

**Queen Elizabeth II pictured visiting Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary in May 2011.**

Her immediate family had gathered at her Scottish estate, following concerns about her health earlier today.

Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne in 1952 and during her reign witnessed enormous social change same which spanned post-war austerity, the transition from empire to Commonwealth, the end of the Cold War and the UK’s entry into – and later withdrawal from – the European Union.

Her reign spanned 15 prime ministers, beginning with Sir Winston Churchill, and ending with Ms Liz Truss, latter appointed by the Queen earlier this week.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited Cashel and Fethard in Co. Tipperary briefly in May of 2011.

With her death, the current Prince of Wales, her eldest son Charles, will return to London tomorrow from Balmoral, to lead the country in mourning, as their new King and Head of State, for the UK’s 14 Commonwealth realms.

Suaimhneas síoraí dá h-anam dílis.
(Translation from Irish: “May her faithful soul rest in peace”. )