Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully today, Thursday, September 8th, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace. She was 96.

Family, including the queen’s four children, gathered by her side at Balmoral.

Queen Elizabeth II was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. She ascended to the throne in 1952 and, in June she celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years as queen.

Her eldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales, will take his mother’s place on the British throne as king. Charles’ wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, will become known as queen consort.