Queen Elizabeth II has died

Queen Elizabeth II has died at her Scottish residence, Balmoral, at the age of 96, Buckingham Palace announced.

Elizabeth II ascended the throne in 1952 and became the longest-reigning monarch in British history. In June the country celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of her reign.

The new king is her eldest son, 73-year-old Charles, who will take the name Charles III. National mourning has been declared in the United Kingdom.

Leaders of many countries offered condolences. Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent messages of condolence to the British people.