Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – Buckgenham Palace announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday, at the age of 96, following her health deteriorated earlier in the day.
Queen Elizabeth is the longest-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, having become queen in 1952.
Queen Elizabeth’s doctors had expressed concern regarding her health earlier Thursday. Members of the royal family returned to Scotland to see the Queen following the news reached them.
After Queen Elizabeth’s death was announced, her son Charles became King of the country. The royal family referred to Charles as king in the announcement of Queen Elizabeth’s death. The royal family’s tweet also referred to his wife Camilla as Queen.
Charles has the option of taking whatever name he wants for his reign as king. For example, King George VI’s real name was actually Albert.
Charles had already taken over some of the Queen’s obligations this year following her health became a sufficient concern for her to cancel some of her obligations, including the state opening of Parliament.
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