Queen dead, new Australian head of state

"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," Buckingham Palace said.

"The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was queen of the UK and 14 Commonwealth realms including Australia, since her reign began in February 1952.

She is succeeded by her son Charles in a move that is expected to renew Australia's republican debate.