Queen news – latest: Elizabeth II ‘died peacefully’ this afternoon, royal family confirms

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Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96

The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon, the royal family has announced, plunging the nation into mourning.

Her son, the Prince of Wales, automatically succeeds her, becoming King and ruling over the UK and more than a dozen Commonwealth nations.

A statement from the royal family said the King and the Queen Consort would remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.

Earlier, members of the royal family rushed to her bedside at Balmoral Castle after doctors became concerned about her health.

The Queen, 96, was Britain’s longest-serving monarch, having reigned for 70 years.

The flags in Downing Street were lowered to half mast at 6.36pm.

A period of national mourning is beginning, as tributes flood in from around the globe, hailing the Queen’s commitment to serving her country and the Commonwealth.

Key PointsShow latest update 1662659985Queen’s coffin will lie in state to let people pay respects

The Queen’s coffin will lie in state to allow the public to pay their last respects.

Lying in state is usually reserved for sovereigns, current or past queen consorts and sometimes former prime ministers.

During the formal occasion, the closed coffin is placed on view in the vast, medieval Westminster Hall in the Palace of Westminster.

The spectacle is expected to attract historic hundreds of thousands of people.

The Queen’s death in Scotland means there could possibly be a second lying in state, most likely in St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, which would allow the public to honor the monarch.

In the days leading up to the funeral, members of the public will file slowly past to pay their respects in sombre silence.

For a royal lying in state, the coffin is draped in a royal flag, usually a personal standard, and rests on a catafalque – a raised platform covered with a purple cloth, flanked by a military guard around the clock.

A priceless crown and other regalia are traditionally placed on top of a sovereign’s coffin.

Jane Dalton8 September 2022 18:59

1662659723Palace flags at half-mast

Flags are flying at half-mast at Buckingham Palace.

Flags fly at half-mast at Buckingham Palace after Queen’s death

Jane Dalton8 September 2022 18:55

1662659657Statement pinned up at palace

An official statement confirming the Queen’s death was displayed outside Buckingham Palace.

BBC One played the national anthem following the announcement, showing a photograph of the Queen, followed by a royal crest on a black background and the words Queen Elizabeth II.

Official statement confirming Queen’s death displayed outside Buckingham Palace

Jane Dalton8 September 2022 18:54

1662659372Royal website unavailable while being changed

The royal family’s official website now carries the message: “Queen Elizabeth II 1926 – 2022”, along with the official statement issued by Buckingham Palace.

A statement on the site says: “The official website of the Royal Family is temporarily unavailable while appropriate changes are made.”

Jane Dalton8 September 2022 18:49

1662659285Palace statement

This is the statement from Buckingham Palace in full following the death of the Queen.

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

Jane Dalton8 September 2022 18:48

1662658812’It will be a devastation’, says Windsor Castle visitor

Fran Chappell, a 56-year-old childminder from Weston-Super-Mare was visiting Windsor Castle for the first time and described the “surreal” moment of exiting the building to see news cameras gathered outside.

“I thought they were for us,” joked her companion, before Ms Chappelle told The Independent’s Andy Gregory: “Obviously with Harry and Meghan in the country, I thought maybe it was something to do with them actually, but then obviously found out it’s not, it’s to do with the Queen.”

“It’s really sad. I hope things are okay, and I hope she lasts a bit longer, but it will be a devastation if she goes,” Ms Chappell added.

“She’s just been a constant, hasn’t she? She’s done well for the country, I think, it’s very sad if she does go … I think it’s something that the country doesn’t need at the moment, with having a new prime minister, and with this it’s another blow. I think a lot of people will be devastated if anything happens.”

Saying that the monarchy “means a lot” to her, she suggested that William and Harry make the royals seem “more approachable” and “not so standoffish”, adding of the elder brother hugging the England women’s football team following their Euros victory: “ I just think that’s amazing. I think it shows that actually, you know, we’re all the same.”

Asked if she believes the future of the royals is in safe hands, Ms Chappell said: “Yeah I do. With Charles and with William. Yeah, definitely. Things might be different, we don’t know how – we’ll have to wait and see.”

Aisha Rimi8 September 2022 18:40

1662658469 Breaking news: Queen dies

The Queen has died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon, the Royal Family has announced.

The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow, a statement said.

Jane Dalton8 September 2022 18:34

1662658212Watch: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan wishes Queen a speedy recovery

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan wishes Queen a speedy recovery

Aisha Rimi8 September 2022 18:30

1662657612Prince Harry heads to Balmoral while Meghan stays in London

Prince Harry is headed to Balmoral to see the Queen after doctors said they were concerned about her health, but Meghan Markle will not be going with him.

The Duchess of Sussex is not traveling to Balmoral with the Duke of Sussex, with Harry making the trip by himself, sources have said.

It was initially reported that the couple would be heading to see the Queen together, after their spokesperson said they would be “travelling to Scotland” following news of Her Majesty’s health.

Maryam Zakir-Hussain has the full story:

Prince Harry heads to Balmoral to see Queen – but Meghan Markle stays in London

Prince Charles and other members of the royal family are at her side at the royal residence in Scotland

Aisha Rimi8 September 2022 18:20

1662657012Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau ‘wishes the Queen well’

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he joins Canadians across the country in wishing the Queen well.

He tweeted: “My thoughts, and the thoughts of Canadians across the country, are with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at this time. We’re wishing her well, and sending our best to the Royal Family”

Aisha Rimi8 September 2022 18:10

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