BREAKING: Charles III is now King of England.

Queen Elizabeth II has died at 96, peacefully at Balmoral. 

Buckingham Palace released a statement just after 3:30am, local time, on Thursday, confirming her death.

"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," it read.

"The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."