BREAKING: Queen Elizabeth II Has Passed Away at the age of 96

UPDATE 1:35PM The Queen has passed away at the age of 96. Per the royal family's twitter, "The Queen died

Queen Elizabeth

UPDATE 1:35PM

The Queen has passed away at the age of 96. Per the royal family's twitter, "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

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

Shortly before her death was announced, a double rainbow appeared above Buckingham Palace, leading gathered awed onlookers to speculate that it held much deeper meaning.

Original Story Continues Below:

The phrases "God save the Queen" and "long live the queen" are usually pleasant platitudes meant to convey wishes for the continued long reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

But today, those phrases have become fervent wishes and the hope of a nation as the United Kingdom watches Balmoral Castle with worried eyes.

Queen Elizabeth has been placed under "medical supervision" after doctors revealed serious concerns about her health, and the ruler's family is rushing to her side.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Health is Concerning

The Queen is 96 years old and was crowned in 1953, making her the longest-reigning living monarch.

The royals are controversial figures oft maligned by progressive elements in the United Kingdom, seeing them as unnecessary wealth-gathering relics of the past.

But love them or hate them, the royals are part of life in Britain and the Queen's illness has all of her citizens concerned. While she is 93 and has weathered health scares before, the fact that the family is rushing to Balmoral Castle to be by her side is raising alarm flags.

She is said to be "resting comfortably" and no new information has been released about her condition.

Wishes From Across the Pond for Continued Health

Across the pond in the United States, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has sent his well-wishes to the queen in her recovery.

McConnell called Queen Elizabeth "a historic friend of the United States," adding that thoughts and prayers are with her. The Hill writes, "McConnell said he and many Americans are closely following reports about the British queen’s health as members of the royal family have rushed to her side. The queen is the longest-reigning British monarch in the country’s history.

'The Senate and the American people are watching the news regarding our friends in the United Kingdom and the health of their beloved Queen Elizabeth,' McConnell said.

McConnell praised the 96-year-old queen, who was coronated in 1953, as 'an exemplar of steady leadership and a beloved figure around the world.'”

Although it's nearly unthinkable, if the Queen should pass things will be chaotic in Great Britain.

There is an air of anticipation on the ground in the UK after a statement sent to parliament just after noon read, "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 already withdrew from a Privy Council meeting on Wednesday, sparking first fears for her health, and citizens are worried about what may happen if she dies and leaves a decades-deep power vacuum.

Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth's 73-year-old son, is heir to the throne, but not particularly popular. The world is holding its breath and waiting for news in one direction or the other – an unprecedented moment for westernized civilizations given Queen Elizabeth's long reign.

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