Queen Elizabeth II has passed away.
Buckingham Palace announced the news on Twitter on Thursday.
She took the throne on February 6, 1952 and has ruled the realm for 70 years.
The queen is the second-longest reigning monarch in world history.
Queen Elizabeth has made 22 official visits to Canada with the last time coming in 2010.
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. pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
The Royal Family released a statement from His Majesty, King Charles III.
On the death of his mother, the King called it “a moment of great sadness for him and his entire family.”
He said they are mourning “profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and beloved mother.”
King Charles said he knows the Queen’s passing will be felt by “the United Kingdom, the Realms and all Commonwealth countries and by countless people around the world.”
A statement from His Majesty The King: pic.twitter.com/AnBiyZCher
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared his condolences for Queen Elizabeth II during a news conference in Vancouver.
Serving as Canada’s head of state for nearly half of our nation’s existence, Trudeau says it’s a sad day for him and many other Canadians.
“As her 12th Canadian prime minister, I’m having trouble believing that my last sit-down with her was my last. I will so miss those chats,” said Trudeau.
MPs will be called back to Parliament for an emergency session that will see the prime minister declare Canada’s loyalty to King Charles the Third.
It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 8, 2022
Canada’s Governor General also offered her condolences on the passing of the Queen.
In a televised statement, Mary Simon said Her Majesty considered Canada to be her “second home.”
“She cared about Canada and all the unique stories that make up our beautiful country. She learned our stories as she visited every corner of Canada during her many Royal tours,” said Simon.
Simon said the Queen was engaged and committed to her country, the Commonwealth, and her family until her final days.
The Governor General said shortly after her appointment, the Queen told her to “be gentle with yourself.”
“I’ve come to understand her words to mean that while we should work hard on the issues that matter, we should also take time to pause, to be patient, to lead with understanding and respect. I can see the wisdom in these words,” she said.
Simon said the world lost not just a Queen, but a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
#GGSimon delivered a live statement to Canadians before leaving a tribute to Her Majesty The Queen in the book of condolences.
The book will be available to the public as of tomorrow @RideauHall.
To read her statement, visit: https://t.co/ClUMBHKbX8 pic.twitter.com/8QoMohlA6A
— Governor General of Canada (@GGCanada) September 9, 2022
