New Delhi: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, who was the second-longest reigning monarch in history, after France's Louis XIV, died yesterday at the age of 96. Several leaders across the world have issued statements paying tribute to her.
She died peacefully at her estate in Balmoral, Scotland , according to a statement from Buckingham Palace.
Queen Elizabeth II's eldest son, Charles, succeeds as king immediately, according to centuries of protocol, beginning a new, less certain chapter for the royal family after the queen's record-breaking 70-year reign.
"The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family," King Charles said in a statement.
Sep 09, 2022 18:39 (IST)
Church Bells Rings Across UK For Queen Elizabeth
Church bells rang across Britain on Friday in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after her death at the age of 96.
Bells rang at London's St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, and at the late monarch's residence Windsor, west of the capital.
Sep 09, 2022 18:10 (IST)
The British government declared a period of mourning for Queen Elizabeth, and a ceremonial 96-gun salute was fired in her memory.
The 96 shots - one for every year of her life - were fired from Hyde Park and the Tower of London in the capital, Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland and Cardiff Castle in Wales, as well as the Channel Islands and Gibraltar.
Sep 09, 2022 16:36 (IST)
UK Cabinet Under PM Liz Truss Stands Fully Behind King Charles III: Downing Street
New British Prime Minister Liz Truss's cabinet of ministers stands fully behind King Charles III, Downing Street said Friday following the death of Elizabeth II.
"Cabinet was united in their support for His Majesty the King, as he and the United Kingdom continue to mourn the passing of his mother," a spokesman told reporters, adding the ministers held a moment of silence for the late queen.
Sep 09, 2022 16:02 (IST)
"We All Feel An Emptiness" Following The Queen's Death: Emmanuel Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday hailed the "wisdom and empathy" of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, saying that "we all feel an emptiness" following her death.
"With her, France and the United Kingdom shared not just an 'entente cordiale', but a warm, sincere and loyal partnership. To you, she was your Queen. To us, she was the Queen," Macron said in English in a video message posted on Twitter.
"We are grateful for her deep affection for France: Elizabeth II mastered our language, loved our culture and touched our hearts," he added.
"From her coronation on, she knew and spoke with all of our presidents. No other country had the privilege of welcoming her as many times as we did."
"At this sad moment, we send our heartfelt condolences to His Majesty the King, the royal family, the British people, and all those who loved the Queen and will miss her so deeply."
Macron was to visit the British embassy in Paris to sign a condolence book for the queen, who died Thursday aged 96.
Sep 09, 2022 16:00 (IST)
Japan's Emperor Hails "Many Achievements" Of Queen Elizabeth
"I express my heartfelt respect and gratitude to the queen for the many achievements and contributions she has made," Emperor Naruhito said in a statement issued by the Imperial Household Agency.
"Her way of always wishing for peace and tranquillity in the world deeply impressed many people."
The emperor's comments followed a tribute from Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who praised her "extremely important role in world peace and stability".
"The death of the queen, who led Britain through turbulent times in the world, is a great loss not only for the British people but also the international community," he told reporters on Friday morning, also expressing his "deep sorrow".
In 1975, the queen made the first visit to Japan by a British monarch, and met then emperor Hirohito.
Sep 09, 2022 15:53 (IST)
UK Declares Period Of National Mourning For Queen Elizabeth
The British government on Friday officially declared the start of a period of national mourning for Queen Elizabeth, publishing 'national mourning guidance'.
The document, which carried guidance on flying flags, information on travel, and other business and public services, stated that the mourning will continue until the end of the day of the state funeral.
The government said there was no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during this time, adding that it was at the discretion of individual organisations.