By Farah Najjar, Ali Harb, E K Benj and Kate Mayberry
- Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch, has died at age 96, Buckingham Palace announced.
- With her death, the queen’s eldest son Charles has become Britain’s new king, taking the title King Charles III.
- Tearful crowds have gathered outside Buckingham Palace to mourn the death of the queen, who was on the throne for 70 years.
- World leaders are sending their condolences to the UK royal family and the entire country.
Here are the latest updates:
- London prepares for huge crowds to mourn longest-serving monarch<img class=”i-amphtml-intrinsic-sizer” alt=”” src=”data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,” />
London is preparing for the arrival of huge crowds of people to mourn the queen, according to Al Jazeera correspondent Neave Barker who was outside Buckingham Palace in the early hours of Friday morning.Barker said scaffolding was being erected, crash barriers placed along roads and banners hung.Later on Friday, the Accession Council – a body of about 200 prominent figures – will meet for the official proclamation of King Charles II as king. That will be followed by a 41 gun salute in Hyde Park that Barker said could last as long as seven minutes.Charles will then meet British Prime Minister Liz Truss and later make an address to the British people.A police officer stands guard outside Buckingham Palace where people have laid flowers in honour of the queen [Isabel Infantes/AFP] - 2h ago (01:52 GMT)Succession will involve ‘transition’ for the Commonwealth: ExpertErrol Mendes, a professor of law and a constitutional expert at the University of Ottawa in Canada, says the death of Queen Elizabeth II heralds a period of “transition” for the Commonwealth, with some countries already looking to become republics.Mendes noted that the queen had travelled far to achieve a “closeness” among nations in the Commonwealth, noting she had visited Canada 22 times during her 70 years as monarch.“There was virtually no part of the Commonwealth that she did not visit and try to strengthen that bond, so with her death it’s going to be interesting to see whether her successor King Charles III will continue that or whether or not it will affect the Commonwealth’s inner strength, so to speak.”
- 3h ago (01:25 GMT)Malaysia pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II as ‘towering figure’Malaysia has extended its “sincere condolences” to the family of the queen, the British people and the UK government over the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
tion and service to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth,” Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah wrote on Facebook.
3h ago (01:14 GMT)
Japan’s PM Kishida ‘deeply saddened’ over death of Queen Elizabeth II
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has joined world leaders in paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
Kishida said the queen made a “great contribution” towards strengthening ties between Japan and Britain, and that her death was a big loss for the international community.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing,” Kishida told reporters on Friday. “The government of Japan expresses its heartfelt condolences to the British royal family, the British government and the British people.”
3h ago (01:02 GMT)
Queen Elizabeth II was a ‘role model for leadership’: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) have sent condolences to King Charles III, according to two statements on state news agency SPA.
“Her majesty was a role model for leadership that will be immortalised in history,” King Salman said.
MBS, meanwhile, said the world will remember the great impact of the queen’s work throughout her career.
5h ago (23:24 GMT)
House of Commons announces plan to sit from noon on Friday
The UK House of Commons is to sit from 12pm local (11:00 GMT) “for tributes to Her late Majesty,” according to a statement posted on Twitter.
The session is expected to last about 10 hours.
The lower house of parliament will then sit again on Saturday at 2pm (13:00 GMT) “when a small number of senior Members will take the oath to His Majesty the King”.
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Queen Elizabeth II live news: King Charles mourns death of mother
Queen Elizabeth II waving with her son Charles in tow.
With Queen Elizabeth II’s death, her eldest son Charles automatically becomes Britain’s new king [File: Hannah McKay/Reuters]
By Farah Najjar, Ali Harb and Kate Mayberry
Published On 8 Sep 2022
8 Sep 2022
Updated:
42 minutes ago
Click here to share on social media
Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch, has died at age 96, Buckingham Palace announced.
With her death, the queen’s eldest son Charles has become Britain’s new king, taking the title King Charles III.
Tearful crowds have gathered outside Buckingham Palace to mourn the death of the queen, who was on the throne for 70 years.
World leaders are sending their condolences to the UK royal family and the entire country.
Here are the latest updates:
To see the latest updates to this story click here.
42 minutes ago (03:21 GMT)
London prepares for huge crowds to mourn longest-serving monarch
London is preparing for the arrival of huge crowds of people to mourn the queen, according to Al Jazeera correspondent Neave Barker who was outside Buckingham Palace in the early hours of Friday morning.
Barker said scaffolding was being erected, crash barriers placed along roads and banners hung.
Later on Friday, the Accession Council – a body of about 200 prominent figures – will meet for the official proclamation of King Charles II as king. That will be followed by a 41 gun salute in Hyde Park that Barker said could last as long as seven minutes.
Charles will then meet British Prime Minister Liz Truss and later make an address to the British people.
A police officer in a reflective vest outside Buckingham Palace at night amid floral tributes beneath the sign announcing the queen’s death
A police officer stands guard outside Buckingham Palace where people have laid flowers in honour of the queen [Isabel Infantes/AFP]
2h ago (01:52 GMT)
Succession will involve ‘transition’ for the Commonwealth: Expert
Errol Mendes, a professor of law and a constitutional expert at the University of Ottawa in Canada, says the death of Queen Elizabeth II heralds a period of “transition” for the Commonwealth, with some countries already looking to become republics.
Mendes noted that the queen had travelled far to achieve a “closeness” among nations in the Commonwealth, noting she had visited Canada 22 times during her 70 years as monarch.
“There was virtually no part of the Commonwealth that she did not visit and try to strengthen that bond, so with her death it’s going to be interesting to see whether her successor King Charles III will continue that or whether or not it will affect the Commonwealth’s inner strength, so to speak.”
3h ago (01:25 GMT)
Malaysia pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II as ‘towering figure’
Malaysia has extended its “sincere condolences” to the family of the queen, the British people and the UK government over the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“Her majesty was a towering figure and led a lifetime of dedication and service to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth,” Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah wrote on Facebook.
3h ago (01:14 GMT)
Japan’s PM Kishida ‘deeply saddened’ over death of Queen Elizabeth II
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has joined world leaders in paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
Kishida said the queen made a “great contribution” towards strengthening ties between Japan and Britain, and that her death was a big loss for the international community.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing,” Kishida told reporters on Friday. “The government of Japan expresses its heartfelt condolences to the British royal family, the British government and the British people.”
3h ago (01:02 GMT)
Queen Elizabeth II was a ‘role model for leadership’: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) have sent condolences to King Charles III, according to two statements on state news agency SPA.
“Her majesty was a role model for leadership that will be immortalised in history,” King Salman said.
MBS, meanwhile, said the world will remember the great impact of the queen’s work throughout her career.
5h ago (23:24 GMT)
House of Commons announces plan to sit from noon on Friday
The UK House of Commons is to sit from 12pm local (11:00 GMT) “for tributes to Her late Majesty,” according to a statement posted on Twitter.
The session is expected to last about 10 hours.
The lower house of parliament will then sit again on Saturday at 2pm (13:00 GMT) “when a small number of senior Members will take the oath to His Majesty the King”.
5h ago (23:01 GMT)
Jamaica PM says queen’s ‘historic reign’ will be remembered
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has said that since she was crowned in the 1950s, Queen Elizabeth II visited the island every decade until 2002, forming “a special bond with the people of Jamaica during her reign”.
“We are saddened that we will not see her light again, but we will remember her historic reign,” Holness said.
The prime minister made an unexpected announcement in March that the British commonwealth intended to become fully independent.
The Caribbean nation is scheduled to hold a referendum in 2025; if approved, it would join other republics in the region including Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago.
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Queen Elizabeth II live news: King Charles mourns death of mother
Queen Elizabeth II waving with her son Charles in tow.
With Queen Elizabeth II’s death, her eldest son Charles automatically becomes Britain’s new king [File: Hannah McKay/Reuters]
By Farah Najjar, Ali Harb and Kate Mayberry
Published On 8 Sep 2022
8 Sep 2022
Updated:
42 minutes ago
Click here to share on social media
Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch, has died at age 96, Buckingham Palace announced.
With her death, the queen’s eldest son Charles has become Britain’s new king, taking the title King Charles III.
Tearful crowds have gathered outside Buckingham Palace to mourn the death of the queen, who was on the throne for 70 years.
World leaders are sending their condolences to the UK royal family and the entire country.
Here are the latest updates:
To see the latest updates to this story click here.
42 minutes ago (03:21 GMT)
London prepares for huge crowds to mourn longest-serving monarch
London is preparing for the arrival of huge crowds of people to mourn the queen, according to Al Jazeera correspondent Neave Barker who was outside Buckingham Palace in the early hours of Friday morning.
Barker said scaffolding was being erected, crash barriers placed along roads and banners hung.
Later on Friday, the Accession Council – a body of about 200 prominent figures – will meet for the official proclamation of King Charles II as king. That will be followed by a 41 gun salute in Hyde Park that Barker said could last as long as seven minutes.
Charles will then meet British Prime Minister Liz Truss and later make an address to the British people.
A police officer in a reflective vest outside Buckingham Palace at night amid floral tributes beneath the sign announcing the queen’s death
A police officer stands guard outside Buckingham Palace where people have laid flowers in honour of the queen [Isabel Infantes/AFP]
2h ago (01:52 GMT)
Succession will involve ‘transition’ for the Commonwealth: Expert
Errol Mendes, a professor of law and a constitutional expert at the University of Ottawa in Canada, says the death of Queen Elizabeth II heralds a period of “transition” for the Commonwealth, with some countries already looking to become republics.
Mendes noted that the queen had travelled far to achieve a “closeness” among nations in the Commonwealth, noting she had visited Canada 22 times during her 70 years as monarch.
“There was virtually no part of the Commonwealth that she did not visit and try to strengthen that bond, so with her death it’s going to be interesting to see whether her successor King Charles III will continue that or whether or not it will affect the Commonwealth’s inner strength, so to speak.”
3h ago (01:25 GMT)
Malaysia pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II as ‘towering figure’
Malaysia has extended its “sincere condolences” to the family of the queen, the British people and the UK government over the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“Her majesty was a towering figure and led a lifetime of dedication and service to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth,” Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah wrote on Facebook.
3h ago (01:14 GMT)
Japan’s PM Kishida ‘deeply saddened’ over death of Queen Elizabeth II
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has joined world leaders in paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
Kishida said the queen made a “great contribution” towards strengthening ties between Japan and Britain, and that her death was a big loss for the international community.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing,” Kishida told reporters on Friday. “The government of Japan expresses its heartfelt condolences to the British royal family, the British government and the British people.”
3h ago (01:02 GMT)
Queen Elizabeth II was a ‘role model for leadership’: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) have sent condolences to King Charles III, according to two statements on state news agency SPA.
“Her majesty was a role model for leadership that will be immortalised in history,” King Salman said.
MBS, meanwhile, said the world will remember the great impact of the queen’s work throughout her career.
5h ago (23:24 GMT)
House of Commons announces plan to sit from noon on Friday
The UK House of Commons is to sit from 12pm local (11:00 GMT) “for tributes to Her late Majesty,” according to a statement posted on Twitter.
The session is expected to last about 10 hours.
The lower house of parliament will then sit again on Saturday at 2pm (13:00 GMT) “when a small number of senior Members will take the oath to His Majesty the King”.
5h ago (23:01 GMT)
Jamaica PM says queen’s ‘historic reign’ will be remembered
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has said that since she was crowned in the 1950s, Queen Elizabeth II visited the island every decade until 2002, forming “a special bond with the people of Jamaica during her reign”.
“We are saddened that we will not see her light again, but we will remember her historic reign,” Holness said.
The prime minister made an unexpected announcement in March that the British commonwealth intended to become fully independent.
The Caribbean nation is scheduled to hold a referendum in 2025; if approved, it would join other republics in the region including Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago.
5h ago (22:51 GMT)
New Zealand offers ‘deepest sympathy’: PM
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said the country is offering its “deepest sympathy to members of the Royal Family at the passing of the Queen”.
“To us, she was a much admired and respected monarch, to them she was a mother and grandmother,” Ardern said in a statement.
“The Queen was a much loved and admired monarch, whose record reign of 70 years is an absolute testament to her, and her commitment to us all. She was extraordinary.”
5h ago (22:35 GMT)
King Charles III will need to unite royal family, expert says
Christopher Wilson, the royal biographer, has said the likely first challenge that Britain’s new King Charles III faces will be to unite the British royal family after a tumultuous few years.
“He has got to either knock heads together or talk to people and try to bring a sense of unity back to this fractured royal family,” Wilson told Al Jazeera.
“We cannot deny the fact that in the last couple of years, as the queen has ailed, we have seen the wheels slightly falling off the royal train.”
6h ago (22:25 GMT)
Queen ‘fascinated’ people in US: Correspondent
Al Jazeera’s Heidi Zhou-Castro, reporting from Washington, says the queen held “great significance” for Americans.
“The average American has a deep fascination with the British monarchy. It is something so distinctly different from the American experience,” Zhou-Castro said, adding that the queen was “a sovereign who was celebrated, who fascinated the average person”.
“She was a celebrity.”
6h ago (22:12 GMT)
Biden signs book of condolences at UK embassy in Washington
US President Joe Biden has signed a book of condolences at the UK embassy in Washington, DC, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Al Jazeera’s Heidi Zhou-Castro, reporting from the US capital, said Biden also had issued a lengthy statement earlier in the day, praising the British monarch.
“He called her a stateswoman of unmatched dignity,” Zhou-Castro said. “He also went on to describe her as the first monarch who really gained worldwide significance and fame, really capturing the imagination and the admiration of Americans.”
Joe biden signs condolence book at UK embassy in Washington, DC, after death of Queen Elizabeth II
Biden earlier praised the queen as ‘a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons’ [Susan Walsh/AP Photo]
6h ago (22:00 GMT)
Queen’s reign ‘defined history’ of Europe, says EU chief
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said in a letter to King Charles that his late mother Queen Elizabeth’s reign had “defined the history” of the UK and Europe.
“She symbolised the best of the United Kingdom, its people and its values. She meant so much to many and, on a personal note, has been an inspiration throughout my life,” von der Leyen wrote.
6h ago (21:50 GMT)
‘Greatest monarch Britain has ever had’: Expert
Christopher Wilson, a royal biographer, has described Queen Elizabeth II as “without question … the greatest monarch that Great Britain has ever had”.
“Not only has she reigned longer than anybody else, but she has been more places, she’s shaken more hands, she’s been all over the world,” he told Al Jazeera.
“Her image over 70 years has made itself known to millions, billions of people across the globe.”
6h ago (21:48 GMT)
Queen Elizabeth ‘captivated the world’: The Obamas
Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle issued a statement paying tribute to the late queen, saying that she had “captivated the world” since her coronation 70 years ago.
The Obamas said they were lucky to have gotten to know Queen Elizabeth.
“Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance,” they said.
6h ago (21:42 GMT)
What happens next?
Queen Elizabeth’s eldest son Charles has succeeded her as monarch.
Click here for an explanation of what happens next, including the protocol surrounding the accession of a new monarch and funeral arrangements for the late Queen Elizabeth.
7h ago (21:33 GMT)
‘Queen Elizabeth embodied highest spirit of civic duty,’ Pelosi says
The speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, has extended the “deepest and most sincere condolences to the Royal Family” on behalf of Congress.
“Queen Elizabeth embodied the highest spirit of civic duty: earning the reverence of her people and the respect of the world,” Pelosi said in a statement.
“Under history’s brightest spotlight, Queen Elizabeth offered a masterclass in grace and strength, power and poise. Her extraordinary life and leadership will continue to inspire young women and girls in public service, now and for generations to come.”
7h ago (21:26 GMT)
Day ‘of sadness for world’: Australia PM
Sarah Clarke, reporting from Brisbane in Australia, said the country’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the queen’s death in an address to the nation as a moment “of sadness for the world”.
“There’s huge admiration here for the queen in Australia,” Clarke said, adding that Albanese plans to travel to London in the coming days.
A national memorial would also be held, she said.
“The people of Australia had a huge soft spot for the queen, so Australia is, of course, another nation in mourning.”
7h ago (21:21 GMT)
Pakistan PM sends condolences for queen’s death
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said he was “deeply grieved” at the death of Queen Elizabeth, joining other world leaders in sending condolences to the royal family and the people of the UK.
LIVE
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LIVE UPDATES
LIVE UPDATES,
Queen Elizabeth II live news: King Charles mourns death of mother
Queen Elizabeth II waving with her son Charles in tow.
With Queen Elizabeth II’s death, her eldest son Charles automatically becomes Britain’s new king [File: Hannah McKay/Reuters]
By Farah Najjar, Ali Harb and Kate Mayberry
Published On 8 Sep 2022
8 Sep 2022
Updated:
42 minutes ago
Click here to share on social media
Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch, has died at age 96, Buckingham Palace announced.
With her death, the queen’s eldest son Charles has become Britain’s new king, taking the title King Charles III.
Tearful crowds have gathered outside Buckingham Palace to mourn the death of the queen, who was on the throne for 70 years.
World leaders are sending their condolences to the UK royal family and the entire country.
Here are the latest updates:
To see the latest updates to this story click here.
42 minutes ago (03:21 GMT)
London prepares for huge crowds to mourn longest-serving monarch
London is preparing for the arrival of huge crowds of people to mourn the queen, according to Al Jazeera correspondent Neave Barker who was outside Buckingham Palace in the early hours of Friday morning.
Barker said scaffolding was being erected, crash barriers placed along roads and banners hung.
Later on Friday, the Accession Council – a body of about 200 prominent figures – will meet for the official proclamation of King Charles II as king. That will be followed by a 41 gun salute in Hyde Park that Barker said could last as long as seven minutes.
Charles will then meet British Prime Minister Liz Truss and later make an address to the British people.
A police officer in a reflective vest outside Buckingham Palace at night amid floral tributes beneath the sign announcing the queen’s death
A police officer stands guard outside Buckingham Palace where people have laid flowers in honour of the queen [Isabel Infantes/AFP]
2h ago (01:52 GMT)
Succession will involve ‘transition’ for the Commonwealth: Expert
Errol Mendes, a professor of law and a constitutional expert at the University of Ottawa in Canada, says the death of Queen Elizabeth II heralds a period of “transition” for the Commonwealth, with some countries already looking to become republics.
Mendes noted that the queen had travelled far to achieve a “closeness” among nations in the Commonwealth, noting she had visited Canada 22 times during her 70 years as monarch.
“There was virtually no part of the Commonwealth that she did not visit and try to strengthen that bond, so with her death it’s going to be interesting to see whether her successor King Charles III will continue that or whether or not it will affect the Commonwealth’s inner strength, so to speak.”
3h ago (01:25 GMT)
Malaysia pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II as ‘towering figure’
Malaysia has extended its “sincere condolences” to the family of the queen, the British people and the UK government over the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“Her majesty was a towering figure and led a lifetime of dedication and service to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth,” Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah wrote on Facebook.
3h ago (01:14 GMT)
Japan’s PM Kishida ‘deeply saddened’ over death of Queen Elizabeth II
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has joined world leaders in paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
Kishida said the queen made a “great contribution” towards strengthening ties between Japan and Britain, and that her death was a big loss for the international community.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing,” Kishida told reporters on Friday. “The government of Japan expresses its heartfelt condolences to the British royal family, the British government and the British people.”
3h ago (01:02 GMT)
Queen Elizabeth II was a ‘role model for leadership’: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) have sent condolences to King Charles III, according to two statements on state news agency SPA.
“Her majesty was a role model for leadership that will be immortalised in history,” King Salman said.
MBS, meanwhile, said the world will remember the great impact of the queen’s work throughout her career.
5h ago (23:24 GMT)
House of Commons announces plan to sit from noon on Friday
The UK House of Commons is to sit from 12pm local (11:00 GMT) “for tributes to Her late Majesty,” according to a statement posted on Twitter.
The session is expected to last about 10 hours.
The lower house of parliament will then sit again on Saturday at 2pm (13:00 GMT) “when a small number of senior Members will take the oath to His Majesty the King”.
5h ago (23:01 GMT)
Jamaica PM says queen’s ‘historic reign’ will be remembered
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has said that since she was crowned in the 1950s, Queen Elizabeth II visited the island every decade until 2002, forming “a special bond with the people of Jamaica during her reign”.
“We are saddened that we will not see her light again, but we will remember her historic reign,” Holness said.
The prime minister made an unexpected announcement in March that the British commonwealth intended to become fully independent.
The Caribbean nation is scheduled to hold a referendum in 2025; if approved, it would join other republics in the region including Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago.
5h ago (22:51 GMT)
New Zealand offers ‘deepest sympathy’: PM
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said the country is offering its “deepest sympathy to members of the Royal Family at the passing of the Queen”.
“To us, she was a much admired and respected monarch, to them she was a mother and grandmother,” Ardern said in a statement.
“The Queen was a much loved and admired monarch, whose record reign of 70 years is an absolute testament to her, and her commitment to us all. She was extraordinary.”
5h ago (22:35 GMT)
King Charles III will need to unite royal family, expert says
Christopher Wilson, the royal biographer, has said the likely first challenge that Britain’s new King Charles III faces will be to unite the British royal family after a tumultuous few years.
“He has got to either knock heads together or talk to people and try to bring a sense of unity back to this fractured royal family,” Wilson told Al Jazeera.
“We cannot deny the fact that in the last couple of years, as the queen has ailed, we have seen the wheels slightly falling off the royal train.”
6h ago (22:25 GMT)
Queen ‘fascinated’ people in US: Correspondent
Al Jazeera’s Heidi Zhou-Castro, reporting from Washington, says the queen held “great significance” for Americans.
“The average American has a deep fascination with the British monarchy. It is something so distinctly different from the American experience,” Zhou-Castro said, adding that the queen was “a sovereign who was celebrated, who fascinated the average person”.
“She was a celebrity.”
6h ago (22:12 GMT)
Biden signs book of condolences at UK embassy in Washington
US President Joe Biden has signed a book of condolences at the UK embassy in Washington, DC, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Al Jazeera’s Heidi Zhou-Castro, reporting from the US capital, said Biden also had issued a lengthy statement earlier in the day, praising the British monarch.
“He called her a stateswoman of unmatched dignity,” Zhou-Castro said. “He also went on to describe her as the first monarch who really gained worldwide significance and fame, really capturing the imagination and the admiration of Americans.”
Joe biden signs condolence book at UK embassy in Washington, DC, after death of Queen Elizabeth II
Biden earlier praised the queen as ‘a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons’ [Susan Walsh/AP Photo]
6h ago (22:00 GMT)
Queen’s reign ‘defined history’ of Europe, says EU chief
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said in a letter to King Charles that his late mother Queen Elizabeth’s reign had “defined the history” of the UK and Europe.
“She symbolised the best of the United Kingdom, its people and its values. She meant so much to many and, on a personal note, has been an inspiration throughout my life,” von der Leyen wrote.
6h ago (21:50 GMT)
‘Greatest monarch Britain has ever had’: Expert
Christopher Wilson, a royal biographer, has described Queen Elizabeth II as “without question … the greatest monarch that Great Britain has ever had”.
“Not only has she reigned longer than anybody else, but she has been more places, she’s shaken more hands, she’s been all over the world,” he told Al Jazeera.
“Her image over 70 years has made itself known to millions, billions of people across the globe.”
6h ago (21:48 GMT)
Queen Elizabeth ‘captivated the world’: The Obamas
Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle issued a statement paying tribute to the late queen, saying that she had “captivated the world” since her coronation 70 years ago.
The Obamas said they were lucky to have gotten to know Queen Elizabeth.
“Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance,” they said.
6h ago (21:42 GMT)
What happens next?
Queen Elizabeth’s eldest son Charles has succeeded her as monarch.
Click here for an explanation of what happens next, including the protocol surrounding the accession of a new monarch and funeral arrangements for the late Queen Elizabeth.
7h ago (21:33 GMT)
‘Queen Elizabeth embodied highest spirit of civic duty,’ Pelosi says
The speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, has extended the “deepest and most sincere condolences to the Royal Family” on behalf of Congress.
“Queen Elizabeth embodied the highest spirit of civic duty: earning the reverence of her people and the respect of the world,” Pelosi said in a statement.
“Under history’s brightest spotlight, Queen Elizabeth offered a masterclass in grace and strength, power and poise. Her extraordinary life and leadership will continue to inspire young women and girls in public service, now and for generations to come.”
7h ago (21:26 GMT)
Day ‘of sadness for world’: Australia PM
Sarah Clarke, reporting from Brisbane in Australia, said the country’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the queen’s death in an address to the nation as a moment “of sadness for the world”.
“There’s huge admiration here for the queen in Australia,” Clarke said, adding that Albanese plans to travel to London in the coming days.
A national memorial would also be held, she said.
“The people of Australia had a huge soft spot for the queen, so Australia is, of course, another nation in mourning.”
7h ago (21:21 GMT)
Pakistan PM sends condolences for queen’s death
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said he was “deeply grieved” at the death of Queen Elizabeth, joining other world leaders in sending condolences to the royal family and the people of the UK.
8h ago (20:21 GMT)
In Pictures: Tearful crowds mourn death of Queen Elizabeth II
Tearful crowds outside Buckingham Palace sang a forlorn “God Save the Queen” as news broke of the queen’s death.
Hundreds had braved torrential rain to stand at the palace gates and some mourners left flowers.
Click here to see the photos.
BRITAIN-ROYALS/QUEEN
A person places flowers outside Buckingham Palace, after Queen Elizabeth, the UK’s longest-reigning monarch and the nation’s figurehead for seven decades, died aged 96, according to Buckingham Palace, in London, UK [Henry Nicholls/Reuters]
8h ago (20:06 GMT)
Russia’s Putin extends condolences to UK for ‘irreparable loss’ of Queen
Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his condolences to the UK for the “irreparable loss” of Queen Elizabeth, Russian news agencies said.
In a message to Charles, the UK’s new king, Putin said the Queen “rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as authority on the world stage”.
He added, “I wish you courage and resilience in the face of this difficult, irreparable loss. May I ask you to pass on sincere condolences and support to members of the royal family and the entire people of Great Britain.”
8h ago (19:55 GMT)
UK PM Truss spoke to King Charles after Downing Street statement: Spokesman
British Prime Minister Liz Truss spoke to King Charles III after making a statement outside her Downing Street office to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth and call on the UK to unite around the country’s new monarch, her spokesman has said.
He said she was told about the queen’s death at 15:30 GMT by her cabinet secretary and would later hold a meeting of those of her ministers who would be involved events to pay tribute to the queen, members of the royal household and police.
8h ago (19:47 GMT)
Prince Harry arrives at Balmoral in Scotland
Prince Harry, the duke of Sussex, has arrived at Balmoral castle in Scotland, the UK’s PA news agency reported.
His wife, Meghan Markle, the duchess of Sussex, has not travelled with Harry making the trip by himself, sources have said.
8h ago (19:34 GMT)
Bolsonaro declares three days of mourning in Brazil
President Jair Bolsonaro has declared three days of national mourning in Brazil for Queen Elizabeth II of the UK.
The far-right president, who is running for reelection next month, said in a note in the official gazette that the mourning period was “a message of condolence for the death of her majesty the queen”.
9h ago (19:31 GMT)
Biden orders US flags lowered to half-staff for Queen Elizabeth
US President Joe Biden ordered flags at the White House and other federal buildings to be lowered to half-staff “as a mark of respect” for the UK’s late Queen Elizabeth II.
Flags will also be lowered on US Navy vessels, at military posts and naval stations, and at all American embassies and other facilities abroad, a proclamation from the White House said.
The United States flag
The US flag is lowered to half staff at the White House following the death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth [Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters]
9h ago (19:27 GMT)
United Nations holds minutes of silence for Queen Elizabeth
The United Nations Security Council and the General Assembly each held a minute of silence to pay homage to Queen Elizabeth II.
French ambassador Nicolas de Riviere, the current president of the council, expressed his “deepest condolences,” while the General Assembly’s president, Abdulla Shahid of Maldives, called it a “moment of grave sadness for the royal family”.
He said the assembly will hold an “official tribute” at a later date.
Queen
An image of Queen Elizabeth, the UK’s longest-reigning monarch and the nation’s figurehead for seven decades is seen at Piccadilly Circus after she died aged 96, according to Buckingham Palace, in London, UK [Andrew Boyers/Reuters]
9h ago (19:21 GMT)
King of Belgians mourns ‘exceptional’ UK queen
Philippe, king of the Belgians, one of the many European monarchs with a close family link to the British aristocracy, hailed Queen Elizabeth II on her demise.
“She was an extraordinary personality,” the Belgian palace said in a statement. “The United Kingdom has lost an exceptional monarch who left a deep mark on history.
9h ago (19:00 GMT)
UK’s Theresa May: ‘It was the honour of my life’ to serve queen
The UK’s former prime minister, Theresa May, has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth, saying it was the honour of her life to have served the monarch as the country’s leader.
“Her Majesty witnessed tremendous change, moving adroitly with the times but always providing stability and reassurance. She was our constant throughout this great Elizabethan era,” May said in a statement posted on Twitter.
“It was the honour of my life to serve her as prime minister. … Our thoughts and prayers now are with her family. God Save The King.”
9h ago (18:57 GMT)
In pictures: Queen Elizabeth II, UK’s longest-reigning monarch
The queen spent seven decades on the throne as the UK rebuilt from war, lost an empire, transformed its economy and both entered and left the European Union.
She was a constant presence, the only monarch most Britons have ever known, and she guided the institution of the monarchy through choppy waters.
She likely met more people than anyone in history, and her image, which adorned stamps, coins and banknotes, was among the most reproduced in the world.
Click here to see images of Queen Elizabeth II over the years.
queen
Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-reigning monarch and a symbol of stability across much of a turbulent century, died on Thursday [File: AP Photo
9h ago (18:38 GMT)
The UK’s new monarch to be known as King Charles III
Clarence House has confirmed that the United Kingdom’s new monarch will be known as King Charles III, following the death of Queen Elizabeth, PA Media reported.
9h ago (18:35 GMT)
Bank of England says banknotes featuring Queen’s image remain legal tender
The Bank of England said its banknotes featuring the image of Queen Elizabeth remained legal tender.
“Current banknotes featuring the image of Her Majesty The Queen will continue to be legal tender. A further announcement regarding existing Bank of England banknotes will be made once the period of mourning has been observed,” the central bank said.
Queen Elizabeth was the first monarch to feature on Bank of England banknotes.
“It was with profound sadness that I learned of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. On behalf of everyone at the Bank I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to the Royal Family,” Governor Andrew Bailey said.
10h ago (18:31 GMT)
Truss refers to King Charles III, urges UK to ‘come together’
Prime Minister Liz Truss has hailed the UK’s new monarch King Charles III, and said Britons “must come together as a people to support him”, shortly after the queen’s death was announced.
“Today the crown passes as it has done for more than 1,000 years to our new monarch, our new head of state, His Majesty King Charles III,” she said, adding: “We must come together as a people to support him, to help him bear the awesome responsibility that he now carries for us all.”
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