welcome to the lead. i m jake tapper in washington, d.c. for 70 years her subjects and her fans have been saying, god save the queen but this afternoon, queen elizabeth ii, longest ruling monarch in british history died at the age of 96. the royal family confirmed the news just about 90 minutes ago saying that the queen died peacefully at balmoral castle in scotland. moments ago her son charles, now king charles iii released a statement saying in part, we mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished, sovereign and a much-loved mother. he loss will be deeply felt by countless people around the worlds. we expect king charles to make an address tomorrow. moments after the official announcement this afternoono afternoon the flag over buckingham palace was lowered to half-staff. a similar scene unfolding at the queen s other homes including windsor castle. the official notice was posted on the gates of buckingham palace reading, the queen died peacefully at balmoral this aft