Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth, who reigned for 70 years as Britain's monarch, died Thursday at Balmoral, her estate in the Scottish Highlands. She was 96. Her son Charles, 73, is now king.

The queen served as the United Kingdom's monarch since 1952. Her reign spanned a remarkable arc in British history and was defined by duty to country — and considerable family pain.

The queen, under medical supervision at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, had been in poor health in recent months. Her children were by her side when she passed away Thursday.