Queen Elizabeth passes away

QueenE lizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and the nation’s figurehead for seven decades, has died aged 96, Buckingham Palace said today.

Her eldest son Charles, 73, automatically becomes king of the UK and the head of state of 14 other realms including Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Former British Prime Minister John Major called Queen Elizabeth “selfless and wise, with a wonderful generosity of spirit,” reacting to news that the monarch has died.

“For 70 years Her Majesty The Queen devoted her life to the service of our nation and its wellbeing,” he said in a statement.

“In her public duties she was selfless and wise, with a wonderful generosity of spirit. That is how she lived — and how she led.”

“For millions of people — across the Commonwealth and the wider world — she embodied the heart and soul of our nation, and was admired and respected around the globe,” he added.