New Delhi/London

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the world in mourning the loss of  Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch.

The Queen who was 96, died at Balmoral, her favourite residence, after reigning for 70 years. She had not been keeping well of late and was under medical supervison.A statement announcing her death came from the Buckingham Palace which said, " 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.''

With her death, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms, BBC reported.

King Charles said, " We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throuughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.''

Paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on Thursday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that she will be remembered as the stalwart of our times. " She provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people. She personified dignity and decency in public life. Pained by her demise. My thoughts are with her family and people of UK in this sad hour.''

Prime Minister Modi posted pictures of his meeting with Queen Elizabeth II during the UK visits, He said, "I had memorable meetings with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during my UK visits in 2015 and 2018. I will never forget her warmth and kindness. During one of the meetings she showed me the handkerchief Mahatma Gandhi gifted her on her wedding. I will always cherish that gesture".

U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss said on Thursday that Queen Elizabeth II was “loved and admired around the world”. Truss who was appointed as the U.K's new leader by the Queen only two days back, said,“The death of Her Majesty the Queen is a huge shock to the nation and to the world,”

Truss’ predecessor Boris Johnson said that the queen’s demise marked the saddest day in UK history

Queen Elizabeth's family gathered at her Scottish estate after concerns grew about her health earlier on Thursday. Her grandson, Prince William, is also there, with his brother, Prince Harry, on his way.

The Queen who was born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, in Mayfair, London, on April 21,1926, ascended the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.Queen Elizabeth II's tenure as head of state spanned post-war austerity, the transition from empire to Commonwealth, the end of the Cold War and the UK's entry into - and withdrawal from - the European Union.

Her reign spanned 15 prime ministers starting with Winston Churchill, born in 1874, and including Liz Truss, born 101 years later in 1975, and appointed by the Queen earlier this week, BBC reported. She held weekly audiences with her prime minister throughout her reign.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday condoled the demise of Queen Elizabeth II. "My condolences to the people of UK and the Royal Family, on the passing away of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.