Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96

Queen Elizabeth II has died, aged 96.

It was announced today (September 8) that the Queen died surrounded by her family in the royal residence of Balmoral, surrounded by various members of the Royal Family, including Princes Charles, William and Harry. 

With the Queen's passing, the longest-serving reign of a monarch in British history comes to an end; spanning 70 years and countless generations. 

The Royal Family announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II at 6.30pm in a statement, which read: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne aged 25, replacing her father George VI. For much of her reign, Elizabeth II was accompanied her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, until his own death in 2021 aged 99. Over the course of their 73 year marriage, Prince Philip became the longest-serving consort in British history. 

Taking to the throne in 1952 (the same year as the Official Singles Chart was born and published in the pages of the NME), the Queen's reign has overseen 15 British Prime Ministers - Her Majesty just yesterday appointed Liz Truss as the successor to Boris Johnson - the end of the British Empire and the expansion (and the withdrawal) of Britain into the European Union.

Following her death, the country will enter a period of mourning that will span 12 days, including the Queen's funeral, which will be considered a national holiday. 

Prince Charles, in the moment of his mother's death, automatically became the next monarch of Britain, but will formally become King during the ascension council's convening at St James' Palace. A date for this has yet to be set. 

Queen Elizabeth II is succeeded Charles, and her other children, Princess Margaret, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. Following Charles' ascension, Prince William becomes Prince of Wales, and the heir to the throne. 

The Official Charts Company sends its deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this time, and joins the entire country and world in mourning Queen Elizabeth II, who became a sign of stability in an era of great change.