Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96, according to Buckingham Palace.

Her death brings to a close a reign that spanned seven decades and made her the most recognized woman in the world.

As monarch, the Queen is automatically granted a publicly funded state funeral. Details for the funeral are expected to be released by the palace soon.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reacted Thursday to the news that Queen Elizabeth II has died at 96, saying that “our hearts and our thoughts” go to the family and the people of the United Kingdom.

“Our hearts and our thoughts go to the family members of the Queen, goes to the people of United Kingdom. I don’t want to get ahead of what the President is going to say,” Jean-Pierre said at the end of the White House press briefing, reacting live to the news of the Queen’s passing.