Queen Elizabeth II, died At age 96
That decades-long reign of service ended Thursday, when Queen Elizabeth II died at her Balmoral estate in Scotland, at age 96
For 70 years, she served as the constitutional monarch of the United Kingdom, the longest rule in British history
Her reign spanned a remarkable arc in British history and was defined by duty to country
Her death is a major milestone for the country, triggering an outpouring of national affection and grief
Elizabeth was born into an empire on which the sun never set and was the country's last major figure with a connection to World War II
Elizabeth made a glamorous young queen in the gray, postwar years — but also a remote one
Occasionally, she appeared to drop her guard and allowed TV cameras into her home
Gun salutes will be made in royal parks in her memory
Parliament is expected to be open for members to pay their tribute