As the Queen’s death was met with an outpouring of grief, Charles – the nation’s new king – led the mourning, saying “her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, kingdoms and Commonwealth, and by countless people in Worldwide”. In his first statement as monarch, issued shortly after his mother’s death was announced, the 73-year-old said his family “deeply mourns the passing of a much-loved Sovereign and a much-loved mother”. The Queen – who was head of state for a historic 70 years – died peacefully in Balmoral, Scotland, on Thursday afternoon, Buckingham Palace announced. In an address to the nation outside Number 10, Prime Minister Liz Truss – who only met the Queen on Tuesday as she was appointed to the new role by the monarch – said it was “the passing of the second Elizabethan era”. Prime Minister Liz Truss pays tribute to the Queen outside Downing Street (PA Wire) He also announced Charles’ new title, saying: “Today the crown passes, as it has for over 1,000 years, to our new monarch, our new head of state, His Majesty King Charles III.” Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer described the Queen as “a wonderful sovereign”, while former prime minister Sir Tony Blair said the nation had lost “not just our monarch, but the matriarch of our nation”. In a written statement, Charles – whose wife, Camilla, is now the Queen – said: “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty the Queen, is a moment of greatest sadness for me and all members of my family . “We deeply mourn the death of a beloved sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt across the country, the kingdoms and the commonwealth, and by countless people around the world. “During this time of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.” Sarah, Duchess of York, ex-wife of the Queen’s son Andrew, said she was “devastated” by the monarch’s death and paid tribute to his “extraordinary legacy” and “continued steadfast presence”. “To me, she was the most incredible mother-in-law and friend. I will always be grateful to her for the generosity she showed me by staying by my side even after my divorce,” he said. “I will miss him more than words can express.” At 6.30 p.m. on Thursday, a tweet from the royal family’s Twitter account said: “The Queen passed away peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this afternoon and return to London tomorrow.” Officials also carried a notice confirming the Queen’s death at the gates of Buckingham Palace, where the flag has been lowered to half-mast. Dressed in black, Mrs Truss hailed the Queen as “the rock on which modern Britain was built”, describing her as “the very spirit of Great Britain”. He said: “Our country grew and prospered under her reign. Britain is the great country it is today because of her.” The Prime Minister added: “Through thick and thin, Queen Elizabeth II gave us the stability and strength we needed. She was the very spirit of Great Britain – and that spirit will endure.” The Queen welcomed Liz Truss during an audience at Balmoral on Tuesday (PA Wire) He said: “In the difficult days ahead, we will join our friends… across the UK, the Commonwealth and the world… to celebrate her extraordinary life. “It is a day of great loss, but Queen Elizabeth II leaves a great legacy. Today the Crown passes – as it has for over a thousand years – to our new monarch, our new head of state: His Majesty King Charles III . “With the King’s family, we mourn the loss of his mother. And while we mourn, we must come together as a people to support him. Let’s help him take on the awesome responsibility he now bears for all of us. “We offer him our faith and devotion, just as his mother gave so much to so many for so long. “And with the passing of the second Elizabethan era, we usher in a new era in the magnificent history of our great country – just as Her Majesty would have wished – saying the words… God save the King.” Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer described the Queen as a “remarkable sovereign”, adding: “This is a deep, private loss for the Royal Family and all our thoughts are with them at this time. The nation shares their grief. “We will always honor Queen Elizabeth II’s life of service and dedication to our nation and the Commonwealth. our longest and greatest monarch. “Above the conflicts of politics, he stood not for what the nation fought for, but for what he agreed. As Britain changed rapidly around her, this devotion became the turning point of our world. “So, as our great Elizabethan era draws to a close, we will honor the memory of the late Queen by keeping alive the values of public service she embodied. “For 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II has stood at the head of our country. But, in spirit, he stood among us.” The Press Association contributed to this report
