ANKARA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday extended his "deepest" condolences over the death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II.

"I learned with sadness of Queen Elizabeth II passing today. My deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the people, and friendly and allied government of the United Kingdom," Erdogan said on Twitter.

Elizabeth II, 96, was the longest-serving monarch in British history. Buckingham Palace said she "died peacefully" at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.