British officials in London announced that Elizabeth II, Queen of England, has died at the age of 96.Elizabeth reigned for more than 70 years and became Britain's longest-serving monarch.Officials at the headquarters of the British royal family said Elizabeth died at her summer home of Balmoral Castle in Scotland.Members of the royal family had hurried to be with her after her health appeared to worsen.Her son, 73-year-old Prince Charles, will now become king.It is unclear whether he will reign as King Charles III or under another name.The effects of her death may not be fully known for years.She helped strengthen the British monarchy and was respected by the British public and world leaders.Most Britons have never known another monarch.Elizabeth became queen on February 6, 1952.During her reign, her country rebuilt after the destruction of World War II.Elizabeth served with 15 British prime ministers, starting with Winston Churchill, Britain's famous wartime leader.
