Related video: The Queen mourns her late husband Prince Philip at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in April 2021
King Charles has led tributes to his “beloved” mother, Elizabeth II, as Britain mourns the death of its oldest monarch.
Liz Truss, Sir Keir Starmer and Boris Johnson were among world leaders and politicians to pay heartfelt tributes as did the UK after the Queen died aged 96 on Thursday.
He reigned for almost seven decades between 1952 and 2022, overseeing major political and cultural changes in national life, from the end of the era of colonial rule to Brexit.
Her son, Charles, automatically succeeds her as King Charles III, taking her place in the government of the United Kingdom and more than a dozen Commonwealth nations, a role for which she has spent her entire life preparing – if He will travel from Balmoral, where his mother died, to London on Friday before formally taking the throne on Saturday.
Liz Truss, who became prime minister after an audience with the Queen at Balmoral on Tuesday, praised the “rock of modern Britain” in a speech in Downing Street four hours after his death.
US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill said in a statement that she was “a statesman of unmatched dignity and constancy” who “helped make our relationship special.”
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‘I thought I’d live forever’: Thousands mourn Queen outside Buckingham Palace
Mourners braved downpours to gather outside Buckingham Palace overnight to pay their respects to the Queen.
Colin Drury has been speaking to some of them and reports that many are in shock over the loss of a life-long constant:
‘It doesn’t feel real’: Thousands mourn Queen outside Buckingham Palace
Mourners gathered in London after monarch’s death speak of shock at the passing of a lifelong constant
Chris Baynes September 9, 2022 02:00
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Celebrities pay tribute to the Queen
Sir Mick Jagger shared on Instagram: “Throughout my life Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has always been there.
“In my childhood I remember watching her wedding highlights on TV. I remember her as a beautiful young lady, the nation’s much-loved grandmother. My deepest condolences go out to the royal family.”
Sir Paul McCartney also paid tribute to the Queen with a short but sweet message on his Instagram account.
He wrote: “God bless Queen Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace. Long live the King.”
Andrew Lloyd Webber shared a statement on Twitter, saying: “Throughout my life the Queen has been a constant anchor not only for Britain and her beloved Commonwealth, but an inspiration to the world throughout her service life
“His legacy will be remembered as a selfless beacon for love, understanding and celebration of fellow human beings around the world, regardless of race or creed.”
Simon Cowell shared a tribute on Instagram, saying: “I am incredibly saddened to hear of the Queen’s passing.
“With incredible strength, he was someone who loved his country and was able to lead with such love.
“I feel very fortunate to have had a monarch in my lifetime who managed to balance great leadership, tradition and progression. I would like to send my regards to his family during this time.”
Aisha Rimi9 September 2022 00:45
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How long will the period of national mourning last for the Queen?
Queen Elizabeth II will lie in state in Edinburgh and Westminster as part of 10 days of national mourning starting on Friday.
Union flags will be flown at half-mast at royal residences, government buildings and military establishments, and books of condolence will be opened at British embassies around the world.
King Charles III and his wife Camilla, the queen consort, will return to London after spending Thursday night with immediate family at Balmoral, where the queen died.
What happens now that the Queen has died as the country enters a period of national mourning?
Flags will fly at half-mast and condolence books will be opened across the country
Aisha Rimi September 9, 2022 00:30
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Watch: Queen Elizabeth II’s fun moments
Ludic moments of Queen Elizabeth II
Aisha Rimi September 9, 2022 00:18
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Thousands of brave people rain to mourn the Queen in front of Buckingham Palace
They came by the thousands, in the rain and darkness. United in grief, they stood, sobbed and sang.
Mourners braved downpours to gather outside Buckingham Palace throughout the night to pay their respects to the Queen after her death at Balmoral on Thursday.
They held each other’s umbrellas and flowers, candles and hands. They spoke in hushed tones. They did not hide their tears or their surprise.
Colin Drury has the full story:
‘It doesn’t feel real’: Thousands mourn Queen outside Buckingham Palace
Mourners gathered in London after monarch’s death speak of shock at the passing of a lifelong constant
Aisha Rimi September 9, 2022 00:05
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Biden signs the book of condolence for Queen Elizabeth at the UK Embassy in Washington DC
Joe Biden has signed a book of condolence for Queen Elizabeth at the UK embassy in Washington DC as he called the late monarch “a great lady”.
The president and first lady were greeted at the embassy by British Ambassador Dame Karen Pierce and her husband shortly before 6 p.m. ET, according to a pool report.
Mr. Biden asked the ambassador if he could write in the condolence book, and she said, “if you would like to, sir.”
Graeme Massie has the full story:
Biden signs the book of condolence for Queen Elizabeth at the UK Embassy in Washington DC
‘We cry for all of you. She was a great lady, I’m very happy to have met her,’ said the president
Aisha Rimi September 8, 2022 11:53 p.m
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Dame Helen Mirren among stars reflecting on Queen’s ‘incomparable legacy’
Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig and Sir Elton John have starred in tributes to the Queen and her “incomparable legacy” following her death.
Dame Helen, who portrayed the Queen on screen and on stage, described the monarch as the “epitome of nobility”.
In a post on Instagram, she said: “I’m proud to be an Elizabethan. We mourn a woman who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility.”
James Bond star Craig said the Queen leaves “an incomparable legacy and will be deeply missed”.
He said: “I, like so many, was deeply saddened by today’s news and my thoughts are with the Royal Family, those he loved and all who loved him.”
Sir Elton said the Queen had been a big part of his life “from childhood to the present day” in his own online tribute.
“Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth,” Sir Elton wrote.
“She was an inspiring presence to be around and led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency and genuine caring warmth.
“Queen Elizabeth has been an important part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly.”
Aisha Rimi September 8, 2022 11:13 p.m
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Sarah, Duchess of York, says she is ‘heartbroken’ by Queen’s death
Sarah, Duchess of York, said she was “heartbroken” by the Queen’s death and praised her for “selflessly giving her whole life to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth”.
In a statement on Twitter, he wrote: “I am heartbroken by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy – the most fantastic example of duty and service and steadfastness, and a constant presence as head of been for more than 70 years.
“She has given her whole life selflessly to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth. To me, she was the most incredible mother-in-law and friend. I will always be grateful for her generosity in staying close to me even after my divorce
“I will miss her more than words can express.”
Aisha Rimi September 8, 2022 10:51 p.m
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London’s black taxi drivers pay tribute to the Queen
More than 50 black taxis lined The Mall in central London as taxi drivers paid their respects to the Queen, a “London girl” they considered one of their own.
Taxi drivers began lining up outside Buckingham Palace, in rows up to four wide, as soon as they heard the news of the Queen’s death.
Michael Ackerman, a taxi driver for 26 years, and friend Robert Caulder, who had driven a taxi for 10 years, spoke to the PA news agency from the bottom of Mr. Ackerman’s tax on The Mall.
Mr Caulder was among the first to arrive at the shopping centre, after hearing the news on the radio from inside his taxi as he drove along Tottenham Court Road.
“I turned off the light and just went there, just to pay my respects,” he told PA.
Fellow taxi driver Mr Ackerman said: “Now we know the Queen is dead, the only woman we ever knew, our constant in our lives and we are paying our respects.
“There would have been a lot more taxi drivers here, but they’ve closed the road so no more can get there.”
He added: “We are both from London.
“Liz is a London girl…she’s one of yours, she’s one of ours.”
(Getty)
Aisha Rimi September 8, 2022 10:42 p.m
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Watch: BBC One plays a tribute to the Queen after the evening news programme
BBC One broadcasts a tribute to the Queen after the evening news programme
Aisha Rimi September 8, 2022 10:37 p.m