Buckingham Palace confirms Queen Elizabeth II dies age 96 - live updates

The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became concerned for her health, Buckingham Palace said.

A Palace spokesperson said: “Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.”

The Queen’s immediate family members have been informed, with the latest announcement escalating fears for the monarch’s health.

The head of state pulled out of a virtual Privy Council on Wednesday after doctors ordered her to rest.

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle interrupted the speech of SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford during the energy debate to tell MPs: “I know I speak on behalf of the entire House when I say that we send our best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen and that she and the royal family are in our thoughts and prayers at this moment.”

He added: “If there is anything else, we will update the House accordingly.”

Prime Minister Liz Truss said: “The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime.

“My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time.”

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have travelled to Balmoral, Clarence House said.

The Duke of Cambridge is also travelling to Balmoral, Kensington Palace said.

Former Conservative prime minister David Cameron said he was “deeply concerned” by the news about the Queen’s health.

It’s being reported that Harry and Meghan are also making their way to Balmoral

Leeds MPs have been sharing their messages for the Queen and her family:

Some Leeds city councillors have shared their well-wishes for the Queen and the Royals on Twitter.

Princes Edward and Andrew, as well as Princess Anne, have also gone to Balmoral, it has been reported.

BBC One has suspended its regular programming schedule following the announcement that the Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral.

The broadcaster is currently airing a BBC News Special with the next planned programme being the BBC News at Six.

Presenter Huw Edwards is dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and black tie, in line with the BBC’s dress code for when a member of the royal family dies as a mark of respect.

BBC One interrupted Bargain Hunt at 12.39 to deliver the statement from Buckingham Palace which said royal doctors were concerned for health.

The statement said the head of state was comfortable and her royal physicians recommended she remain under medical supervision.

The broadcaster has been airing rolling news coverage since discussing the health concerns of the Queen with various reporters including BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell.

As the nation awaits further news, many people are asking what happens next if the Queen dies.

The plan for what will happen should the Queen pass away in Scotland is called Operation Unicorn.

It sets out everything from how the news of her death would be announced and where her coffin would lie in response through to the suspension of parliament and the various events that would take place in the day’s leading up to her funeral.

Read more here:

The BBC has reported that seven members of the Royal family are about to land at Aberdeen airport, on their way to Balmoral.

The BBC has reported the ceremonial event, which takes place four times a week, has been postponed from its scheduled time of 11am on Friday.

There are no plans for the Prime Minister to travel to Scotland on Thursday or Friday, Downing Street said.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman also said he could not give any updates on the Queen’s health or whether Liz Truss has been in touch with the Palace.

“The Prime Minister is working from Downing Street this afternoon in a series of meetings,” he said.

“As is standard, I wouldn’t get into any contact certainly between the Prime Minister and the Palace.”

Asked if there were any plans for the PM to travel to Scotland on Thursday or Friday, he said: “No.”

He said he was not aware of any changes to business in the House of Commons on Friday and said it would be a decision for the Speaker.

The Duchess of Sussex is not travelling to Balmoral with the Duke of Sussex, with Harry making the trip by himself, sources have said.

It is understood Meghan will remain in London, but will not attend the WellChild awards.

The duchess could potentially join Harry in Scotland at a later date, the source said, following the change of plan.

Leeds City Council leader James Lewis has joined the Mayor of Leeds, Coun Robert Gettings JP, and council chief executive Tom Riordan in issuing a statement following the news that the Queen is unwell.

They said: “Along with the rest of the country we are all deeply concerned by today’s news from Buckingham Palace.

“Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time, and we are sure that we echo everyone across Leeds in hoping for her swift recovery.”

News emerging of a sudden change in the health of Queen Elizabeth II has caused a major shift at the BBC.

As Huw Edwards was continuing his broadcasted deliberation regarding the recent health update of Queen Elizabeth II, he along with his fellow BBC colleagues made a sudden change into black clothing.

Read more:

US President Joe Biden has sent a message of to the Royals.

The Queen has died at the age of 96, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.