Prince Harry joins royal family in Scotland following announcement of Queen Elizabeth II's death

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Queen Elizabeth 'will continue to inspire future generations:' Former Margaret Thatcher aide

Nile Gardiner reflects on the life and legacy of Britain's longest-reigning monarch and discusses a path forward for the country after the announcement of her passing on 'The Story.'

Prince Harry has joined other members of the royal family at Balmoral Castle in Scotland following the announcement of Queen Elizabeth II's death. 

The 37-year-old Duke of Sussex was photographed in a car looking somber with his hand over his face. 

 It's been reported that Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, stayed behind in London.

LIVE UPDATES: QUEEN ELIZABETH II REMEMBERED AS KING CHARLES III ASCENDS THE BRITISH THRONE

Prince Harry is seen driving in Aberdeen to Balmoral after the death of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II was announced, while Meghan Markle reportedly remained in London. (The Image Direct)

Harry arrived separately from the other royals, including his brother Prince William, who was seen earlier in the day alongside Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

William's wife, Kate Middleton, also did not join. 

Prince Andrew, Prince William, Sophie and Prince Edward arrive at Balmoral Castle ahead of the news that Queen Elizabeth II had died. (Getty Images)

QUEEN ELIZABETH II, LONGEST-REIGNING BRITISH MONARCH, DEAD AT 96

Charles, now King Charles III, Camilla, the new queen consort, and Princess Anne were already by Her Majesty's side before the others arrived Thursday.

Queen Elizabeth II was preceded in death by her husband, Prince Philip, who spent more than seven decades supporting the queen. The Duke of Edinburgh, Britain’s longest-serving consort, died in April 2021 at age 99. Elizabeth and Philip were married for more than 70 years and had four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.

Elizabeth wed Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, whom she supposedly first fell in love with at age 13, on Nov. 20, 1947, at Westminster Abbey. After an initial flurry of disapproval that Elizabeth was marrying a foreigner, Philip’s athletic skills, good looks and straight talk lent a distinct glamour to the royal family. Elizabeth beamed in his presence, and they had a son and daughter while she was still free of the obligations of serving as a monarch.

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Queen Elizabeth II on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with the royal family during her Platinum Jubilee. (Chris Jackson - WPA Pool)

When she died, Elizabeth was the most widely traveled British head of state and the longest-married British monarch. She had ruled for longer than any other monarch in British history, becoming a much-loved and respected figure during her decades-long reign. She reached the milestone of 70 years on the throne on Feb. 6, 2022, celebrating with the Platinum Jubilee in June to mark the occasion.

PHOTOS: QUEEN ELIZABETH II AND HER RECORD-BREAKING RULE AS THE LONGEST REIGNING BRITISH MONARCH

On Feb. 20, 2022, the queen tested positive for COVID-19. According to Buckingham Palace, she experienced mild cold-like symptoms but still planned to carry on working. The diagnosis prompted concern and get-well wishes from across Britain’s political spectrum. The palace noted that the queen had been fully vaccinated and had a booster shot.

The queen had previously delivered two televised messages to the nation early in the pandemic in 2020 and sought to lead by example. She let it be known that she had been vaccinated and sat alone during the funeral of her husband of 72 years because of coronavirus restrictions.

Queen Elizabeth II with her son, who is now King Charles III. (Paul Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

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Elizabeth is survived by four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Her son Charles automatically ascended the British throne following the queen's death, according to Great Britain's succession laws. Prince William is now the heir apparent.