Queen Elizabeth II has passed away

Britain's beloved Queen Elizabeth II has passed away. She was 96.

The monarch was revealed to be under medical supervision at her Balmoral Estate in Scotland - where she had been on her annual summer break - after doctors became "concerned" for her health.

Members of the Royal family had rushed to be with her overnight and in a statement at 5.30am (NZT) on Friday, Buckingham Palace confirmed her peaceful death.

The Queen's death now triggers a series of events to allow her family and her subjects around the world to grieve.

Her body will be at Buckingham Palace for several days so the royal family can grieve together.

After four days the Queen's coffin will be led on a military procession from the palace to Westminster Hall.

She will lie in state over the next four days, after which King Charles, the family, and dignitaries will pay their respects. Then, the doors will open to hundreds of thousands of people queued up outside.

The funeral is estimated to take place 10-12 days after the Queen's passing and will be attended by state officials from all over the world and will be coordinated by the armed forces and Government.

At 11am sharp the bells of Big Ben will chime, the country will fall silent, and the coffin will be brought inside Westminster Abbey, where 2,000 specially invited guests will bow their heads in prayer.

The monarch - who just celebrated her 70th year on the throne - has undertaken very few public engagements this year due to ongoing health issues.

The Queen ruled for longer than any other Monarch in British history, becoming a much loved and respected figure across the globe.

Her extraordinary reign saw her travel more widely than any other monarch, undertaking many historic overseas visits.

Known for her sense of duty and her devotion to a life of service, she has been an important figurehead for the UK and the Commonwealth during times of enormous social change.

From a young girl who did not expect to be Queen, to an iconic and celebrated figure who has ruled for more than 70 years.

She was one of a kind, she was one of us. Our Gracious Queen. May she always be remembered. May she rest in peace.