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.

New titles for William and Kate confirmed

Kensington Palace has confirmed that Kate and William will be known as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge.

Respects paid across the North East and beyond

Northumberland County Council is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. Flags will be lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect, and details of where residents can pay their respects in books of condolence will be shared in the coming days.

The view at Buckingham Palace

The Union Jack above Buckingham Palace flies at half mast following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: PA.

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The announcement on the gates of Buckingham Palace

Officials have displayed a plaque announcing the Queen’s death on the gates outside Buckingham Palace.

It reads: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

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

Police officers are attempting to move the crowd back, but a huge scrum has formed at the front of the royal residence.

A notice on the gates of the Buckingham Palace in London announcing the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: PA.A notice on the gates of the Buckingham Palace in London announcing the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: PA.
A notice on the gates of the Buckingham Palace in London announcing the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: PA.

Statement from Sunderland City Council leader

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Cllr Graeme Miller, has said “we will never see her likes again” in a heart-felt tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her sad passing.

He said: “I was born in 1962 the only monarch I’ve ever known. She has been a real stalwart for the British people and we will not see the likes again.

“My thoughts are with her family at these difficult times and I’m sure she will be in the hearts of the British people at this time.

”On the formalities of how the city will recognise the Queen’s passing, Cllr Miller added: “The office of the Lord Lieutenant deals with the arrangements after the death of a monarch and they will be informing all local authorities about exactly what to do.”

The Royal Family in all of our thoughts

Most of us have only known Queen Elizabeth II as our monarch

Rail and postal strikes called off in wake of Queen’s death

Planned strikes by rail and postal workers have been called off as a result of the Queen’s death.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union were due to walk out on September 15 and 17 in a long-running dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.

Its general secretary Mick Lynch said: “RMT joins the whole nation in paying its respects to Queen Elizabeth.

“The planned railway strike action on September 15 and 17 is suspended.

“We express our deepest condolences to her family, friends and the country.”

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) also called off planned strikes.

A statement said: “Upon the news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has died, TSSA union expresses deepest condolences to her family, friends, the country and those affected by her passing.

“TSSA is cancelling planned industrial action for September and will be respecting the period of public mourning.

“The union pays respect to Britain’s longest-serving monarch.”

What a life, what a legacy

Grahame Morris, MP for Easington, speaks on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: “The nation will mourn the passing of a truly remarkable monarch, who dedicated her life to public service and duty.

“We have been fortunate to live through the second great Elizabethan era.

“During her life our country has faced war, disasters, economic, political and social revolution.

“The Queen was a constant, unifying figure, that gave solace and comfort during times of national crisis.

“We mourn the loss of the Queen, but we also celebrate the life and legacy of our greatest monarch, the likes of which we will never see again.”

Update on this weekend’s Great North Run events

The Great North Run is due to take place this Sunday (September 11) between Newcastle and South Shields, with other associated events happening over the weekend. We will provide further updates on what’s happening as we get them.

This is the statement as of Thursday evening at 8pm.