Kings Charles III thanks Queen for her 'love and devotion' and pledges to 'serve with loyalty, respect and love' in address to nation

The United Kingdom is in a period of national mourning following the death of Her Majesty the Queen at the age 96.
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The announcement of her passing was made by Buckingham Palace at 6.30pm on Thursday, September 8. She died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, with some of her closest family by her side.

Her Majesty the Queen ruled for longer than any monarch in British history, dedicating her lifetime to serving the UK and Commonwealth.

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It was announced on Friday, September 9 by Buckingham Palace that a period of royal mourning will be observed until seven days after the Queen’s funeral.

Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96. Tributes are being paid across the world, with flowers and other tokens left in various locations. Pictures: Getty Images.Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96. Tributes are being paid across the world, with flowers and other tokens left in various locations. Pictures: Getty Images.
Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96. Tributes are being paid across the world, with flowers and other tokens left in various locations. Pictures: Getty Images.

King Charles III addressed the nation for the first time at 6pm on Friday evening, September 9.

In his address, he pledged to “serve with loyalty, respect and love” as he thanked the late Queen for her “love and devotion”.

He earlier greeted crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace and held his first in-person audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss.

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In the North East, the iconic Great North Run half marathon has been confirmed as going ahead this Sunday (September 11). The 13.1-mile route runs between Newcastle and South Shields, raising thousands for charity.

A message left on flowers laid outside Buckingham Palace, London, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: PA.A message left on flowers laid outside Buckingham Palace, London, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: PA.
A message left on flowers laid outside Buckingham Palace, London, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: PA.

Other events due to take place throughout the Great Run weekend have been postponed, as have Premier League and EFL fixtures across the coming days.

BBC One has also suspended its regular programming schedule in the wake of the Queen’s death and is airing rolling news coverage on Friday.

A lifetime of service and the legacy left behind

Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne came in February 1952, following the death of her father (King George VI), with her coronation at Westminster Abbey taking place in June 1953.

Queen Elizabeth II pictured in Scotland in June 2022. This was the month she celebrated her Platinum Jubilee. Picture: Getty Images.Queen Elizabeth II pictured in Scotland in June 2022. This was the month she celebrated her Platinum Jubilee. Picture: Getty Images.
Queen Elizabeth II pictured in Scotland in June 2022. This was the month she celebrated her Platinum Jubilee. Picture: Getty Images.
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In June 2022, an extended celebration was held in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee as the nation paid tribute to the dignity, dedication and duty of the Monarch.

The nation has united in mourning as countless tributes are paid to Queen Elizabeth II, with people and organisations alike recognising her unwavering determination to serve her people.

Her son Charles, whose new title has been confirmed as King Charles III, will now serve as monarch – our first King in more than 70 years.

After returning to London with the Queen Consort (Camilla, formerly the Duchess of Cornwall), he is expected to address the nation for the first time on Friday.

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Buckingham Palace confirmed that the King will be proclaimed at the Accession Council at 10am on Saturday (September 10) in the State Apartments of St James’s Palace.

You can read tributes following the Queen’s passing and updates on what happens next below.

Kings Charles III thanks Queen for her ‘love and devotion’ and pledges to ‘serve with loyalty, respect and love’ in address to nation

Key Events

  • A period of national mourning is underway following the death of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96; she was Britain's longest-serving monarch.
  • King Charles III has addressed the nation for the first time, pledging to “serve with loyalty, respect and love”.
  • The King ended his address with tribute to “darling Mama”.
  • Some sporting events over the weekend have been cancelled as a mark of respect. Sunday's Great North Run will take place as planned.
  • William will become Prince of Wales.
  • Tributes continue to pour in from across the globe in recognition of the Queen's lifetime of service and dedication. She ruled for more than 70 years.
  • We’ll bring you more updates on Saturday.

Queen Elizabeth II pictured ahead of receiving new Prime Minister Liz Truss on Tuesday, September 6. For the first time, the Queen accepted a resignation from a Prime Minister (Boris Johnson) and met with the new incumbent at her Balmoral residence. Picture: Getty Images.

Queen Elizabeth II pictured ahead of receiving new Prime Minister Liz Truss on Tuesday, September 6. Picture: Getty Images.Queen Elizabeth II pictured ahead of receiving new Prime Minister Liz Truss on Tuesday, September 6. Picture: Getty Images.
Queen Elizabeth II pictured ahead of receiving new Prime Minister Liz Truss on Tuesday, September 6. Picture: Getty Images.

Tributes pour in across social media for Queen Elizabeth II

Liz Truss speaks at Downing Street

Prime Minister Liz Truss stepped out of No 10 and to the podium on Downing Street at 7.07pm, dressed in black, to address the nation following the Queen’s death.

Dozens of reporters have gathered outside, facing the door of No 10.

Ms Truss was appointed as Prime Minister by the Queen at Balmoral only two days ago.

She said: “We are all devastated by the news that we have just heard from Blamoral.

“The death of Her Majesty the Queen is a huge shock to the nation and to the world.”

A lifetime of hard work and dedication to a number of great causes

Queen Elizabeth II smiles during a visit to officially open the new building at Thames Hospice in July 2022. Picture: Getty Images.

Queen Elizabeth II smiles during a visit to officially open the new building at Thames Hospice in July 2022. Picture: Getty Images.Queen Elizabeth II smiles during a visit to officially open the new building at Thames Hospice in July 2022. Picture: Getty Images.
Queen Elizabeth II smiles during a visit to officially open the new building at Thames Hospice in July 2022. Picture: Getty Images.

North East tributes being paid on social media

‘Our country’s saddest day'

Former prime minister Boris Johnson said the death of the Queen would leave a “void” and “this is our country’s saddest day”.

“As is so natural with human beings, it is only when we face the reality of our loss that we truly understand what has gone,” he said.

“It is only really now that we grasp how much she meant for us, how much she did for us, how much she loved us.

“As we think of the void she leaves, we understand the vital role she played, selflessly and calmly embodying the continuity and unity of our country.

“We think of her deep wisdom, and historic understanding, and her seemingly inexhaustible but understated sense of duty.

“Relentless though her diary must have felt, she never once let it show, and to tens of thousands of events – great and small – she brought her smile and her warmth and her gentle humour – and for an unrivalled 70 years she spread that magic around her kingdom.

“This is our country’s saddest day because she had a unique and simple power to make us happy. That is why we loved her.

“That is why we grieve for Elizabeth the Great, the longest serving and in many ways the finest monarch in our history.”

Clarence House has confirmed that the Prince of Wales will now be known as King Charles III, following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: Getty Images.

Clarence House has confirmed that the Prince of Wales will now be known as King Charles III, following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: Getty Images.Clarence House has confirmed that the Prince of Wales will now be known as King Charles III, following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: Getty Images.
Clarence House has confirmed that the Prince of Wales will now be known as King Charles III, following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: Getty Images.

Theatres across the country will be dimming their lights and observing a minute’s silence, playing the national anthem and opening books of condolences prior to performances as mark of their respect, following news of the death of the Queen.

Mercury Prize Awards postponed

Tonight’s scheduled Mercury Prize award ceremony has been postponed, it has been announced.

A statement from organisers said: “Tonight’s Mercury Prize event has been postponed at this time of great national sorrow. We know everyone involved in the Mercury Prize will understand.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with The Royal Family at this very difficult time.

“We will make an announcement regarding future arrangements as soon as we are able”.

Harry Styles, Sam Fender and Little Simz were among the acts in the running for the prestigious prize.