Her Majesty The Queen has died, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Queen Elizabeth II, 96, was the nation’s longest-reigning monarch, serving as head of state for more than 70 years.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.”
The statement added “the King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie paid her respects to the Queen in a statement, this evening, saying: “This is one of the saddest days our country will ever have to experience.
“The death of Her Majesty the Queen is the end of an amazing reign and an era that has shaped this country for seven decades.
“Like so many, I know of no other head of state than our cherished, respected and much-loved Queen Elizabeth. I know that people across Stroud, the Valleys and Vale will feel the same tonight as tears are shed. We have lost an important role model in all of our lives. A woman who has always put public duty and the love of our country first. It will leave an immeasurable void.
“My thoughts are with the Royal Family at this difficult time and I join the whole country in a period of mourning.”
