Queen Elizabeth II dies at 96 after reigning or 70 years

Queen Elizabeth II has died at 96, according to Buckingham Palace, setting off an outpouring of grief in Britain for the monarch, who reigned for 70 years.

She died at Balmoral Castle, her beloved summer home in the Scottish Highlands. Many of her four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren were at Balmoral or on their way there, including her son Prince Charles, the heir to the throne.

Buckingham Palace, however, stated that the King and Queen Consort will return to London on Friday.