Queen Elizabeth II has died aged 96, peacefully at her Balmoral home, Buckingham Palace has announced.
The news came after Buckingham Palace issued a statement confirming the Queen was "remaining under medical supervision" as doctors were "concerned for her health".
Her eldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales, is now next in line to the British throne.
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He will become the King of the United Kingdom and the head of the Commonwealth, known as King Charles III.
A change in direction
Queen Elizabeth II was born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary in London on April 21, 1926.
She was the first child to the Duke and Duchess of York — later King George VI and the Queen Mother — and had a younger sister, Princess Margaret, who was born in 1930.
When her grandfather, King George V, died, her uncle, King Edward VIII, succeeded, and she became second in line to the throne.
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But King Edward abdicated in 1936 over his relationship with American divorcee Wallis Simpson.
The monarchy refused to let the pair marry, so Edward stood down.
"I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as king as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love," he told the public.
This thrust the Queen's father onto the crown and dramatically altered her life forever.
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A young princess
The Queen was educated privately under the supervision of her mother and governess Marion Crawford.
She was taught French by teachers brought over from France for tutelage.
She even became a Girl Guide, with a specialised Buckingham Palace Company formed so she could make friends with girls her own age.
During World War II, Elizabeth and Margaret stayed in England, spending most of their time in Windsor Castle.
In 1940, when the young princess was 14, she made a radio broadcast on the BBC, addressing children who had also been evacuated.
"We are trying to do all we can to help our gallant sailor, soldier and airmen, and we are trying, too, to bear our share of the danger and sadness of war. We know, every one of us, that in the end all will be well," she said.
Queen Elizabeth II first met her future husband, Prince Philip, of Greek royalty, when she was just 13.
They were both at the wedding of his cousin, Princess Marina of Greece, to The Duke of Kent. He was 18.
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The pair exchanged letters throughout World War II, where he was serving as first lieutenant of HMS Wallace.
The Queen's parents did not approve of Philip at first as he was a "prince without a kingdom".
In 1946, he proposed in secret to the then-26-year-old. She accepted without consulting her parents.
They eventually announced their engagement in 1947, and the pair were married at Westminster Abbey that same year on live radio broadcast around the world.
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The couple went on to have four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
In 1952, Elizabeth and Philip were on a royal tour in Kenya when her father died. On June 2, 1953, Princess Elizabeth was crowned Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey.
Buckingham Palace might have been headquarters, but the four corners of the Commonwealth would be her constant home away from home.
Queen's journey begins
Elizabeth made her first visit to Australia as Queen in 1954.
It is estimated three-quarters of the population turned out to see her.
She has since been to Australia 15 more times, the latest in 2011 when she visited Canberra, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne.
She also visited various Pacific nations, Canada, the United States, Cyprus, India, Pakistan and Nepal during those early years.
During her reign, the Queen became a figurehead of reassurance for the UK and the Commonwealth during times of social change and major world events.
Although she was known to keep her personal life private, the Queen was well regarded for her fervent love of animals.
Horses were undoubtedly her passion, and she would often be seen riding in the grounds of Windsor Castle, willing home a winner at Royal Ascot, or walking her pet corgis.
A family rift
Things on the home front weren't always smooth sailing, however, with Prince Charles' to-be wife, Princess Diana, causing somewhat of a rift in the royal family.
When Charles met Diana, the relationship was billed by the tabloids as "the fairytale romance", and their wedding was a royal spectacle.
The Queen seemed fond of Diana, who was from old English aristocratic stock, was beautiful and who boosted royal popularity.
She seemed to be able to do no wrong, and the public adored her, particularly when she gave birth to her two young princes, William and Harry.
Securing the affection of her husband, however, was harder and it was later revealed he never got over his yearning for an old love, Camilla Parker-Bowles.
The pair divorced and Diana seemingly became shunned by the royal family, provoking a bitter feud. The Queen was unable to quell the damage to the Windsor brand.
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Princess Diana's death in a car crash in Paris in 1997 sent a shockwave around the world, and as that shock turned to an enormous outpouring of public mourning, the Queen appeared to have badly misjudged the mood of the country.
She kept the young princes at Balmoral castle in Scotland, later explaining she wanted to give them time to grieve for their mother and to protect their privacy, much to the disdain of the public.
The hostile reaction eventually forced the Queen to return to London well ahead of Diana's funeral, and widespread anger only eased when she spoke on television of her admiration for her former daughter-in-law.
"First, I want to pay tribute to Diana, myself. She was an exceptional and gifted human being. In good times and bad, she never lost her capacity to smile and laugh, to inspire others with her warmth and kindness. I admired and respected her for her energy and commitment to others, especially for her devotion to her two boys," the Queen said.
Following this tragedy, the Queen suffered from her own, deeply personal losses.
Her sister, Princess Margaret, died in February 2002 and her beloved mother passed away just a month later.
It was the same year the Queen celebrated her Golden Jubilee — 50 years on the throne.
In recent years, the Queen faced another scandal, this time involving her second child and reported favourite, Prince Andrew.
In January 2022, the Queen stripped Prince Andrew of all his honorary military titles and royal roles in charities and other civic groups amid a growing furore over allegations he sexually abused a teenage girl supplied to him by now-deceased billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Long live the Queen
During her reign, the Queen has led with strength, grace and determination.
She helped heal rifts between Britain and the Irish republic and even appealed to a lighter side by appearing alongside Daniel Craig, as James Bond, in a short film for the opening of the London Olympics in 2012.
The Queen became the world's longest-serving head of state following the death of Thailand's King Bhumibol in 2016.
But her life didn't slow down as she reached her 90s.
She continued to attend the races at Ascot and a swathe of openings, and was the guest of honour at many of her relative's weddings, including Prince William to Kate Middleton and Prince Harry to Meghan.
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Her relationship with Harry and Meghan was tested when the couple decided to step away for their royal duties and move to the United States.
The couples' tell-all interview with Oprah in 2021 rocked the family after Meghan revealed she experienced suicidal thoughts over how she was being treated after marrying Prince Harry.
She also spoke of the anguish she had over discussions about her son Archie that ranged from questions about his skin colour to the decision about a prince title.
The royal family responded, saying issues raised by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be dealt with privately.
"The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan," the statement read.
"The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning.
"While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.
"Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved family members."
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The Queen was grandmother, or Gan-Gan as she was affectionately known, to eight, and great-grandmother to 12.
She had 600 patronages, many inherited from her father, which she remained dedicated to throughout the many years of her reign.
The Queen continued to host leaders from right around the world, including Donald Trump, who she welcomed for a state visit in June 2019.
The Queen by custom stays out of politics but with the biggest change to Britain in decades looming with Brexit, she did make subtle mention of it on a number of occasions.
In 2018, she told the king and queen of the Netherlands in 2018 that Britain was looking "toward a new partnership with Europe".
Ruling in a COVID-19 world
As the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, the Queen continued to participate in virtual events with leaders, members of the public and other dignitaries.
It was a new challenge for her majesty, but one she took on with fervour.
She and her husband Prince Philip were based at Windsor Castle throughout much of the pandemic.
It was at Windsor Castle where the duke died in April 2021.
His funeral was held at the castle and a striking image of the Queen sitting by herself was perhaps the most poignant image of the ceremony.
Royal experts said it was a strong symbol of her sympathy with the thousands upon thousands of people who died during the pandemic and the families who were unable to to mourn their deaths together.
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Starting to slow down
Following Prince Philip's death, and as the UK began to remerge from lockdown, the Queen recommenced duties in public.
In October 2021, she was seen using a walking stick at a major public event when attending a Westminster Abbey service marking the centenary of the Royal British Legion, an armed forces charity.
A few days later, she reluctantly accepted medical advice to rest for a few days and cancelled a trip to Northern Ireland.
During this time she spent her first spell in hospital since 2013.
Doctors then advised the Queen not to travel to Glasgow for the COP26 climate conference in November 2021.
At the time, Buckingham Palace said the then-95-year-old monarch "regretfully'' decided she would no longer travel to Glasgow to attend the reception on November 1.
The decision to cancel the trip was understood to not be COVID-19-related but the palace said there was "no cause for alarm".
Later that month, her majesty was forced to miss the Remembrance Sunday Service being held in London because she sprained her back.
The service was one of the most important events on the monarch's calendar, and was meant to be her first public appearance since taking ill.
At the time, the Palace said the injury was not believed to be related to the previous medical advice to rest that prompted other cancellations.
In December 2021, the Queen cancelled her traditional family Christmas celebration in Sandringham for the second year over COVID-19 fears.
Omicron cases were swirling and Buckingham Palace decided her majesty would spend the day at Windsor Castle with Prince Charles and Camilla.
In her annual Christmas message that year, she chose a photograph of her late husband, Prince Philip, to display on her desk.
It was the first Christmas since his death.
The British monarch revealed she still felt her husband's presence, especially while preparing for the festive season.
"Although it's a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones," she said.
"This year especially, I understand why."
A few days later, the Queen suffered another monumental loss when Diana Maxwell, Lady Farnham, who had served as the Queen's lady of bedchamber since 1987 and rode with the monarch on the way to her 2012 Diamond Jubilee service, died four days after Christmas. She was 90.
On February 20, 2022, the world held its collective breath as the Queen herself was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Her diagnosis came just weeks after she celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne on February 6.
Prince Charles was unable to attend the event due to his own COVID-19 positive test.
In remarks delivered on the eve of the 70th anniversary, the Queen expressed a "sincere wish'' Camilla be known as "Queen Consort" when her eldest son Charles, the Prince of Wales, succeeds her as expected to the throne.
''When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes king, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me,'' the monarch wrote.
In giving her blessing, the popular and respected sovereign is placing significant heft behind the move.
In March 2022, her majesty was photographed using a walking stick again during an event at Windsor Castle. It raised questions about the monarch's health.
There were initial fears her health would force her to miss her late husband's memorial service at Westminster Abbey on March 29 due to mobility issues.
However, she arrived with second son, Prince Andrew.
The Queen beamed as she arrived at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May. The event is said to be the monarch's favourite annual event in her calendar.
She then walked the red carpet to the royal box, with her walking stick in hand.
The Queen's horse Balmoral Leia, a five-year-old grey dun mare, won the Highland Class 64 event before later being announced supreme champion.
The monarch was joined by her youngest son, Prince Edward, and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
The couple's daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, often competes in the carriage riding events at the horse show, a passion she got from her late grandfather, Prince Philip.
The then-18-year-old Lady Louise led the fell pony parade in the late Duke of Edinburgh's driving carriage, the moment bringing tears to the eyes of the Queen.
The Queen next appeared in public at Trooping the Colour in June.
A royal celebration
The 2022 event kicked off the special Platinum Jubilee four-day bank holiday weekend.
After experiencing some discomfort on the first day of celebrations, her majesty pulled out of attending the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral and the Epsom Derby races.
The Queen was next seen sharing tea at Buckingham Palace with Paddington Bear in a pre-recorded comedy skit to open the BBC's Party at The Palace event on June 4.
In the clip, Her Majesty revealed she shared Paddington's love of marmalade sandwiches.
More than 12 million people in the UK watched on as Prince Charles paid tribute to the Queen at the star-studded concert where original members of Queen, Diana Ross, Alicia Keys and George Ezra took the stage.
Charles opened his short speech by addressing the Queen as "your majesty, mummy," then paid tribute to her "lifetime of selfless service".
"You have met us and talked with us. You laugh and cry with us and, most importantly, you have been there for us, for these 70 years," he said.
"You pledged to serve your whole life – you continue to deliver. That is why we are here. That is what we celebrate tonight."
The UK Ministry of Defence revealed 1500 soldiers and officers, 400 musicians, 250 horses and 70 aircraft took part in the jubilee celebrations.
The Queen thrilled fans on the final day of the jubilee celebrations by joining future heirs Prince Charles, Prince William and young Prince George on the Buckingham Palace balcony after the People's Pageant.
Dressed in a vibrant green coat dress and hat, the monarch walked out onto the famous balcony with a walking stick, as she did during Trooping the Colour.
In a personal message shared by Buckingham Palace, the Queen said she was humbled by the celebrations.
“When it comes to how to mark 70 years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow,” she wrote in a personal message signed as Elizabeth.
“It really is a first. But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee.
"While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my family.
"I have been inspired by the kindness, joy and kinship that has been so evident in recent days, and I hope this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come.
"I think you most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have all played in these happy celebrations."
Fears over the Queen's health were again raised in late August 2022 when she was photographed for the first time in months meeting newly elected leader of the Conservative party Liz Truss at Balmoral Castle in Scotland instead of Buckingham Palace.
It was the first time in the Queen's rein that she did not meet a new British leader at the London palace.
Two days, later Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement doctors were "concerned for her health" and that she was to remain "under medical supervision" with all four of her children by her side.
"Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for her majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision," the palace said.
Despite the many triumphs and tragedies of her 70 years on the throne, the Queen will perhaps be best remembered for her strength, resilience and courage as the longest-reigning British monarch.
