Britain wakes up in mourning, and to a new monarch, King Charles III

Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday that Queen Elizabeth II had died — bringing to an end a 70-year reign.

A statement on the royal website said the 96-year-old monarch died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in the afternoon. 

Elizabeth was the UK's longest reigning monarch, taking the throne in 1952 upon the death of her father, King George VI.

She has been succeeded by her own son, Charles, will be known as King Charles III. 

Buckingham Palace said the King and Queen Consort would stay at Balmoral overnight before returning to London on Friday.

See below for a summary of Friday's developments:

Thousands gathered outside Buckingham Palace last night, despite the rain, to pay tribute to a monarch who has helped to guide her country for over seven decades. 

King Charles III released his first statement after becoming Britain's new monarch yesterday, paying tribute to his mother.

"The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family," he wrote.

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.”