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King Charles III makes first statement as monarch after his mother’s death
King Charles has issued a statement on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth.
He said: “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.
“We deeply mourn the passing of a beloved sovereign and a much-loved mother.”
Key events
Libby Brooks
All parliamentary business at Holyrood has been suspended as a mark of respect following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
Holyrood’s presiding officer corresponding to the Speaker of the Commons, Alison Johnstone MSP said: “On behalf of the Scottish Parliament, I convey our deepest and most sincere condolences to His Majesty King Charles III and the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. . This is a day of great sorrow for the whole country and a time of deep personal sorrow for the royal family.
“The Queen was an extraordinary woman who led an extraordinary life of service. From the day this Parliament was established in 1999, Her Majesty showed her unwavering support for the institution and the time and importance she gave to this relationship is enormous appreciated.”
Flags in the Scottish Parliament have also been lowered as a mark of respect.
Charlotte Graham-McLay
New Zealand, a Commonwealth nation, will soon hold a state memorial service, its Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. The country’s representation at Her Majesty’s funeral will be confirmed shortly.
The Queen visited New Zealand 10 times, the first in the summer of 1953-54, when she and the Duke of Edinburgh visited 46 centers and attended 110 societies.
“She was here to celebrate with us at events such as the 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games and the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games,” Ardern said in a statement. “She also mourned with us when we were hit by terrible tragedies like the Tangiwai railway disaster and the February 2011 earthquake.
Ardern added: “I know a number of New Zealanders who had the privilege of meeting Her Majesty were struck by her keen interest, warmth and sense of humour. I remember in my very first meeting with Her Majesty being humbled by her intimate knowledge of New Zealand and its triumphs and challenges.
“I presented her with a gift from a New Zealander who had kept a picture of her visit more than 50 years earlier. She remembered where it was taken and even what had made her laugh at the moment the picture was taken.”
Flags will fly at half-mast in New Zealand to mark Her Majesty’s death. The new king immediately becomes the country’s head of state.
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, and former First Lady Melania Trump, said: “Melania and I will always cherish our time with the Queen and never forget Her Majesty’s generous friendship, great wisdom and wonderful sense of humor. What a magnificent and beautiful lady – there was no one like her!
“Our thoughts and prayers will remain with the great people of the United Kingdom as you honor her most meaningful life and outstanding service to the people.
“God bless the Queen, may she reign forever in our hearts, and may God keep her and Prince Philip in constant care.”
Clarence House has confirmed that Charles will be known as King Charles III.
Boris Johnson, who was replaced as Prime Minister of Great Britain on Tuesday, tweeted:
Steven Morris
The Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakefordtweeted that he was “incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II”.
He added: “As our longest-reigning monarch, she upheld the values and traditions of the British monarchy.
“On behalf of the people of Wales, I offer our deepest condolences to Her Majesty’s family at this sad time.”
Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
As our longest reigning monarch, she upheld the values and traditions of the British monarchy.
On behalf of the people of Wales, I offer our deepest condolences to Her Majesty’s family at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/XnnqK5Tf6j
— Mark Drakeford (@MarkDrakeford) 8 September 2022
The Llywydd – the Welsh Parliament’s equivalent to the Speaker of the House of Commons – hailed the Queen’s “lifelong commitment to public service”
Elin Jones said: “Queen Elizabeth II served the United Kingdom with a dignity that endeared her to millions around the world.
“She reigned at a time of great constitutional and social change in our country. She attended every Senedd opening ceremony since its inception, reflecting her recognition of this Parliament’s contribution to Welsh life.”
All Senedd business is suspended and the Senedd’s flag will be flown at half-mast.
Adam Price, the head of Plaid Cymru, said: “Her Majesty The Queen’s long reign saw a period of huge change for Wales, the UK and the rest of the world.
“Her deeply felt sense of duty was recognized by millions across the globe and many will remember her as a figure who provided comfort, stability and continuity in times of crisis.”
President Biden also offered this anecdote:
“We first met the Queen in 1982 when we traveled to the UK as part of a Senate delegation.
“And we were honored that in June 2021 she extended her hospitality to us during our first overseas trip as President and First Lady, charming us with her wit, moving us with her kindness, and generously sharing her wisdom with us.
“All told, she met 14 American presidents. She helped Americans celebrate both the anniversary of the founding of Jamestown and the 200th anniversary of our independence.
“And she stood in solidarity with America in our darkest days after 9/11 when she poignantly reminded us that ‘Grief is the price we pay for love.’
“In the coming years we look forward to continuing a close friendship with the King and Queen.”
President Biden pays tribute to the Queen
US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said the Queen “was more than a monarch. She defined an era.”
“In a world of constant change, she was a constant presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her.
“An enduring admiration for Queen Elizabeth II united people across the Commonwealth. The seven decades of her history-making reign witnessed a time of unprecedented human progress and the advancement of human dignity.
“She was the first British monarch with whom people around the world could feel a personal and immediate connection – whether they heard her on the radio as a young princess addressing the children of the United Kingdom or gathered around their televisions for her coronation. , or saw her last Christmas speech or her platinum anniversary on their phones. And she, in turn, dedicated her whole life to their service.”
Charlotte Graham-McLay
Her Majesty was “a monarch with an unwavering sense of duty”, said New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who expressed her country’s “deep sorrow” at Queen Elizabeth’s death.
“People around the world will feel an acute sense of loss at this time and New Zealanders certainly share that grief,” Ardern said. “The Queen was a highly respected constant through unprecedented global change.”
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.
“People around the world will feel an acute sense of loss at this time, and New Zealanders certainly share that grief. The Queen was a much-respected constant through unprecedented global change.”
She offered her “deepest sympathies” to members of the royal family on behalf of New Zealand, a Commonwealth country.
“To us she was a much admired and respected monarch, to them she was a mother and grandmother,” Ardern said.
Barack Obama, the former US president, said: “Michelle and I were lucky enough to get to know Her Majesty and she meant a lot to us.
“When we were just beginning to navigate life as president and first lady, she welcomed us onto the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity.
“We were struck again and again 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.
“Like so many, Michelle and I are grateful to have witnessed Her Majesty’s dedicated leadership and we are impressed by her legacy of tireless, dignified public service.
“Our thoughts are with her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this difficult time.”
George W Bush, the former US president, has said that he and his wife Laura “were honored to have known Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
He said in a statement: “She was a woman of great intellect, charm and wit.
“Spending time at Buckingham Palace drinking tea with Her Majesty – and her corgis – are among our fondest memories of the presidency.
“Queen Elizabeth skillfully led England through dark moments with her faith in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow.
“Our world benefited from her steadfast determination, and we are grateful for her decades of service as sovereign. Americans in particular appreciate her strong and steadfast friendship.
“Laura and I join our fellow citizens in sending our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the British people.”
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats in the UK, said: “We are all deeply saddened by the profound loss of a great monarch who served our country so faithfully throughout his life and was loved around the world.
“For many people, myself included, the Queen was an ever-fixed mark in our lives.
“As the world changed around us and politicians came and went, the Queen was our nation’s constant.”
Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, has also paid tribute.
The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth is a deeply sad moment for Britain, the Commonwealth and the world.
Her life was marked by extraordinary dedication and service.
On behalf of the people of Scotland, I send my deepest condolences to the King and the Royal Family. https://t.co/o2XqGJMF2S— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) 8 September 2022
The Irish Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, has described the Queen’s reign as “one of historic duration, enormous consequence and a focus of respect and admiration throughout the world.
“Her dedication to duty and public service was self-evident and her wisdom and experience truly unparalleled.
“The Queen’s passing is truly the end of an era.
“Her state visit to Ireland in 2011 marked a decisive step in the normalization of relations with our nearest neighbour.
“That visit was a great success, mainly because of the many kind gestures and warm remarks from the Queen during her time in Ireland.
“Her popularity with the Irish people was also very evident and clearly made a very positive impact on the Queen.
“In particular, I remember the warmth of the welcome she received from the Cork public during her walk in the English market.”
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