Queen Elizabeth live updates: Princes William, Harry view flowers with their wives

(LONDON) — Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II “died peacefully” on Thursday, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace. She was 96.

The news of her death came just hours after the palace announced that the queen’s doctors were “concerned” about her health and were keeping her under “medical supervision” at Balmoral Castle, the British royal family’s estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where she has been vacationing this summer.

Members of the royal family, including the queen’s four children, quickly gathered by her side at Balmoral, according to their respective spokespersons. She died that afternoon.

Elizabeth was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. She ascended to the throne in 1952 and, in June, celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years as queen. Her eldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales, will take his mother’s place on the British throne as king. Charles’ wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, will become known as queen consort.

Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:

Sep 10, 12:50 PM EDT
Prince William, Princess Kate, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle view flowers together

Prince William and Prince Harry, and their wives, Princess Kate and Meghan Markle, viewed flowers together outside Windsor Castle Saturday.

This is the first time the four have been seen together in public since Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior members of the royal family and moved to the United States.

A representative for William, the Prince of Wales told ABC News the prince invited the Duke and Duchess to join him and the Princess of Wales.

BREAKING: Prince William, Princess Kate, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle observe tributes at Windsor Castle for Queen Elizabeth II. https://t.co/4skJzM0sCG pic.twitter.com/i6dQyJRa9V

— ABC News (@ABC) September 10, 2022

Sep 10, 12:21 PM EDT
Queen’s funeral to be held Sept. 19

Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral will be held on Sept. 19, Buckingham Palace announced Saturday.

Sep 10, 12:07 PM EDT
William, Prince of Wales, makes 1st statement since the queen’s death

William, Prince of Wales said he is grateful for the queen’s presence in his life, in his first statement since the death of the queen. William said that he recognized the world lost an “extraordinary leader.”

“I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. My wife has had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives,” William said.

“She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real,” William said.

“I thank her for the kindness she showed my family and me. And I thank her on behalf of my generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all,” William said.

Sep 10, 7:20 AM EDT
King Charles III officially proclaimed king by Accession Council at St James’s Palace in London

King Charles III has been formally proclaimed monarch at a historic Accession Council in the State Apartments of St James’s Palace at 5 a.m. on Saturday. The ceremony is being televised for the first time in history.

A Principal Proclamation will then be read in public for the first time by the Garter King of Arms in the open air from the balcony overlooking Friary Court at St James’s an hour later at 6 a.m. ET.

It will be followed by a flurry of Proclamations around the country, with the second one at City of London at the Royal Exchange at midday on Saturday, and further Proclamations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales at midday on Sunday.

Buckingham Palace issued details of the arrangements, considered the first official orders of business of a new reign, on Friday.

Charles automatically became King on the death of his mother, but the Accession Council is usually convened at St James’s in London within 24 hours of the death of a sovereign.

Historically, the entire Privy Council is summoned to the Accession Council to oversee the formal proclamation of a new monarch.

But with the number of privy counsellors –- who are lifetime members and mostly past and present politicians –- now standing at more than 700, restrictions have been put in place. This does not affect the constitutional process.

Sep 10, 4:59 AM EDT
King Charles III to receive several key audiences today at Buckingham Palace

King Charles III will undertake a number of important meetings at Buckingham Palace today following his formal proclamation as king this morning.

The king is scheduled to meet with Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, at 9 a.m. ET followed by a meeting with the U.K.’s newly appointed prime minister, Liz Truss, and members of her cabinet at 9:30 a.m. ET.

At 10 a.m. ET, King Charles II will receive the leaders of the opposition parties at Buckingham Palace before his final scheduled meeting of the day at 11 a.m. ET where he will receive David Hoyle, the Dean of Westminster.

Sep 09, 8:02 PM EDT
A look at Queen Elizabeth’s lifelong love of corgis

Perhaps no animal has been so closely associated with a world figure as corgis were with Queen Elizabeth II.

Her death sparked an outpouring of photographs and drawings of her and her dogs throughout the years.

Fellow dog owners are also planning to celebrate the queen’s life of service with a corgi parade outside of Buckingham Palace next month, the U.K. newspaper The Daily Mirror reported.

Sep 09, 1:52 PM EDT
Biden says he will attend the queen’s funeral

President Joe Biden told reporters Friday that he will be attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

“Yes. I don’t know what the details are yet, but I’ll be going,” Biden told reporters on the tarmac of Ohio’s Columbus International Airport.

Buckingham Palace has not yet announced when the queen’s funeral will be held.

Asked if he had spoken to King Charles III yet, Biden said, “I know him, I haven’t spoken to him. I did not call him yet.”

Sep 09, 1:36 PM EDT
King Charles III pledges to uphold Britain’s constitutional principals

In his first speech as monarch, King Charles III pledged to follow in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II, upholding Britain’s Constitution.

“As the queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation,” King Charles III said.

“And, wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavor to serve you with loyalty, respect and love as I have throughout my life,” he added.

The king also recognized his new role, and the changes it will bring.

“My life will, of course, change as I take up my new responsibilities. It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But, I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others,” the king later said.

Sep 09, 1:18 PM EDT
New titles announced for Prince William and Catherine

King Charles III announced new titles for his son, Prince William, and his son’s wife, Catherine, previously the duke and duchess of Cambridge.

They are now the new prince and princess of Wales, the new king announced in a speech from Buckingham Palace Friday.

“Our new prince and princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations,” King Charles said in the prerecorded message.

William’s mother, Diana, was the last princess of Wales. Charles’ wife, Camilla, never took the title. With Charles’ ascension, her title is now queen consort.

King Charles also mentioned his younger son, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan, the duke and duchess of Sussex.

“I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan, as they continue to build their lives overseas,” the king said.

Sep 09, 1:17 PM EDT
‘Thank you for your love and devotion,’ King Charles III remembers the queen

In his first address, King Charles III ended his address thanking his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, for her lifetime of service and her love and devotion.

“To my darling mama, as you begin your gray last journey to join my dear late papa, I want simply to say this. Thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family, and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years,” King Charles III said.

The king also expressed his gratitude for the “condolences and support” that his family has received after the passing of the queen.

Sep 09, 1:10 PM EDT
King Charles III expresses ‘profound grief’ after death of the queen

King Charles III delivered his first address as monarch Friday, in remembrance of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, saying her death has brought him “profound sorrow” and “great sadness.”

“Throughout her life, her majesty, the queen, my beloved mother, was an inspiration. An example to me and to all my family. And we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family could owe to their mother for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example,” King Charles said.

The king said the queen’s affection, admiration and respect were a hallmark of her reign.

“I pay tribute to my mother’s memory and I honor her service,” he later added.

Sep 09, 12:25 PM EDT
Prime Minister Liz Truss meets with king

British Prime Minister Liz Truss met with King Charles III Friday, shortly after he arrived at Buckingham Palace.

Sep 09, 11:13 AM EDT
English Premier League postpones weekend matches

England’s top soccer league has postponed its slate of matches this weekend in tribute to the queen’s death.

“We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country,” Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said in a statement. “As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.”

He continued, “This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation, but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”

The queen never made her “football” allegiances clear over her reign, but the new king, Charles III, has been public about his support for Burnley Football Club. With the postponements, he’ll have to hold off on watching their next match against Norwich City.

The EPL said it would announce any further postponements, such as on the day of the queen’s funeral, “in due course.”

Sep 09, 9:43 AM EDT
King Charles III views flowers outside Buckingham Palace

King Charles III has landed in London, returning from Balmoral Castle where the queen was when she died. The king walked outside Buckingham Palace, shaking hands and greeting people who gathered to share their condolences.

The king and Camila, the queen consort, walked outside the gates of Buckingham Palace viewing flowers left by people mourning the death of the queen.

As the king arrived outside, the Royal Standard was raised above Buckingham Palace for the first time during his reign.

Sep 09, 8:53 AM EDT
British Parliament members pays tribute to the queen

Both British houses of Parliament are meeting Friday for members to pay tribute to the queen in a special session of condolence.

Politics in both Houses will be on hold for a period of mourning.

“For the 70 glorious years of her reign, our queen was at the heart of this nation’s life,” Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said. “She did not simply reign over us, she lived alongside us.”

“It seems impossible to imagine a Britain without her,” he added.

There will also be a rare Saturday meeting where senior members of Parliament can take an oath of allegiance to the king. The meeting will end with an address to the king expressing condolences following his mother’s death.

House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will determine the timetable in the House for the following days, which is expected to be significantly reduced until after the state funeral for the queen.

This means new laws cannot be passed until Parliament returns, though it could be recalled for pressing matters.

-ABC News’ Zoe Magee

Sep 09, 8:37 AM EDT
King Charles III set to deliver remarks today

King Charles III will return to London this afternoon to record a televised address to the nation from Buckingham Palace. The speech will air at 1 p.m. ET before he attends the national service of thanksgiving for his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at St. Paul’s Cathedral at 2 p.m. ET.

King Charles will be officially proclaimed king at 6 a.m. ET on Saturday from the balcony at St James’ Palace. The first son of Queen Elizabeth II became king the minute his mother died but the formal announcement will be made on Saturday.

Sep 09, 7:24 AM EDT
Sec. of State Antony Blinken comments on death of Queen Elizabeth II

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has shared the following statement to the people of the United Kingdom following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 8, 2022:

Together with the American people, I extend my deepest sympathies to His Majesty The King, the entire Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom, and the peoples of the Commonwealth on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

For more than 70 years – a period during which the United Kingdom and the world witnessed unprecedented change – Queen Elizabeth personified a sense of stability. During a time of tremendous division, she was a source of unity.

Her influence extended well beyond the Commonwealth. As Queen, she visited more than 120 countries, including the United States, where she made a point of meeting not only with leaders, but with people from all walks of life. She was the embodiment of the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, and a symbol of the enduring alliance that has seen our nations through the greatest tests of the 20th and 21st centuries.

We join people around the world in mourning her passing, and we will forever be inspired by the memory of her service, leadership, and friendship.

Sep 09, 5:17 AM EDT
The queen’s final moments

Prince Charles and Princess Anne were with their mother in her final hours.

Prince Andrew and Prince Edward and his wife Sophie raced to be by her side, as did her grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry but they did not get there in time.

Sep 09, 12:36 AM EDT
World reacts to Queen Elizabeth II’s death

Cities around the world joined in mourning Queen Elizabeth II’s death on Thursday.

See photos of the global reaction here.

Sep 08, 10:16 PM EDT
Who’s who in the British royal family

Queen Elizabeth II is survived by three sons, a daughter, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Here’s a guide to the most well-known living members of the House of Windsor.

Queen Elizabeth II was preceded in death by her husband, Prince Philip, who died in April 2021 at the age of 99.

Their deaths marked the end of a seven-decade love story that started before the queen ascended to the throne.

The two married on Nov. 20, 1947, at Westminster Abbey, despite some reported reservations from her father’s courtiers.

Five years later, she became the queen, and he gave up his career in the Royal Navy to support his wife.

Read more about their relationship.

Sep 08, 7:29 PM EDT
A look back at Queen Elizabeth II’s 7-decade marriage

Queen Elizabeth II was preceded in death by her husband, Prince Philip, who died in April 2021 at the age of 99.

Their deaths marked the end of a seven-decade love story that started before the queen ascended to the throne.

The two married on Nov. 20, 1947, at Westminster Abbey, despite some reported reservations from her father’s courtiers.

Five years later, she became the queen, and he gave up his career in the Royal Navy to support his wife.

Read more about their relationship.

Sep 08, 5:43 PM EDT

 

With Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Camilla becomes queen consort

 

With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, her eldest son Charles becomes king and his wife Camilla becomes queen consort.

The queen made the request for the title in February, saying that “it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”

The statement marked the first time the queen had publicly addressed her daughter-in-law’s role in the future monarchy.

Read more about the role of queen consort.

Sep 08, 3:36 PM EDT
Meet the new king

The eldest son of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch has taken his late mother’s place on the throne.

King Charles III is the first child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Upon the death of his mother on Sept. 8, Charles succeeded her as king of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms.

Charles, 73, was born at Buckingham Palace in London in 1948. He was just 3 years old when he became the heir apparent as his mother acceded to the throne as queen, following the death of her father, King George VI.

Want to know more about the new king? Click here.

Sep 08, 3:26 PM EDT
Biden orders flags to half-staff

In a new proclamation, President Joe Biden has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff “until sunset, on the day of interment,” as a “mark of the respect for the memory of Queen Elizabeth II.”

“I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment,” the proclamation reads.

He continued, “I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”

-ABC News’ Molly Nagle

Sep 08, 3:15 PM EDT
Former US presidents react over queen’s death

Former presidents of the United States have released statements in reaction to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.

President Bill Clinton said in a statement that he and former first lady Hillary Clinton are mourning the passing of Her Majesty with the royal family and the rest of the world, describing her life as “extraordinary.”

“Throughout her remarkable 70-year reign, she led Britain through great transformations with unfailing grace, dignity, and genuine care for the welfare of all its people,” Bill Clinton said. “In sunshine or storm, she was a source of stability, serenity and strength.”

Bill Clinton added that he and Hillary Clinton “will always be grateful” to the kindness the queen showed them during visits to Buckingham Palace in 1995 and 2000.

President George W. Bush said in a statement that he and former first lady Laura Bush were “honored” to know the queen, describing her as a “woman of great intellect, charm and wit.”

“Spending time at Buckingham Palace, and having tea with Her Majesty — and her Corgis — is among our fondest memories of the presidency,” George W. Bush said.

The queen was able to lead the U.K. through dark moments with “her confidence in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow,” George W. Bush said.

“Our world benefitted from her steady resolve, and we are grateful for her decades of service as sovereign,” George W. Bush said. “Americans in particular appreciate her strong and steadfast friendship.”

President Barack Obama said in a statement that he and former first lady Michelle Obama were “lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty,” adding that the queen “meant a great deal to” to them.

“Back when we were just beginning to navigate life as President and First Lady, she welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity,” Barack Obama said. “Time and again, we were struck 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.”

Barack Obama continued, “Like so many, Michelle and I are grateful to have witnessed Her Majesty’s dedicated leadership, and we are awed 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.”

President Donald Trump also released a statement following the news of the queen’s death, saying that he and former first lady Melania Trump will always cherish their time together with the queen and will “never forget Her Majesty’s generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor.”

“Melania and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Donald Trump said on Truth Social, his social media platform. “Together with our family and fellow Americans, we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom during this time of great sorrow and grief. Queen Elizabeth’s historic and remarkable reign left a tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity for Great Britain.”

Sep 08, 2:47 PM EDT
UK thrived under Elizabeth’s reign, says Liz Truss

The newly appointed prime minister of the United Kingdom, Liz Truss, emphasized the importance of Queen Elizabeth II’s rule while addressing the death of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch on Thursday.

“Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built,” Truss said outside of 10 Downing Street on Thursday. “Our country has grown and flourished under her reign. Britain is the great country it is today because of her.”

Among the accomplishments Truss highlighted were Elizabeth’s accomplishment of growing the Commonwealth from a small group of seven countries to a “family of 56 nations” as well as visiting more than 100 countries as sovereign.

The queen, who met with Truss on Tuesday at Balmoral, invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party, to form a new government as prime minister, an act emblematic of the queen’s devotion to duty, Truss said.

“Earlier this week, at 96, she remained determined to carry out her duties as she appointed me as her 15th prime minister,” Truss said, describing her as the “the very spirit of Great Britain.”

Truss also extended condolences to the now-King Charles III, calling for the country to support him in the passing of the crown.

“We offer him our loyalty, and devotion, just as his mother devoted so much to so many for so long,” Truss said.

Sep 08, 2:21 PM EDT
Charles on queen’s passing: ‘A moment of the greatest sadness’

The queen’s eldest son and new king of England — who will be known as King Charles III — released a statement following his mother’s passing.

“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,” Charles said.

“I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,” the statement continued.

Sep 08, 2:06 PM EDT
UK lowers flags to half-mast as rainbows appear

The U.K. ordered all flags to fly at half-mast in the wake of the queen’s death Thursday.

In a bit of fortuitous timing, the rain clouds eased up following the announcement and rainbows appeared over Buckingham Palace.

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also ordered the flags to fly at half-mast over the Capitol in tribute to the monarch, according to her deputy chief of staff.

Sep 08, 2:02 PM EDT
How the British royal line of succession changes

With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, there is a new line of succession to the British throne.

The queen’s oldest son, Charles, the Prince of Wales, is now the new king. Members of his direct family — including his sons, Princes William and Harry — are now higher in the line of succession.

In general, succession falls to the first-born child of the heir and their children, followed by the next oldest sibling of the heir and their offspring and so on.

Read more about the line of succession here.

Sep 08, 1:51 PM EDT
What comes next after queen’s passing?

With the queen’s death come questions about what happens next, as the world has not witnessed a changeover in Britain’s monarchy in 70 years.

The U.K. government and the royal family have been planning for years to ensure a smooth transition after the queen’s death, and to appropriately honor her history-making reign.

Read more about what might happen in the days to come.

Sep 08, 1:32 PM EDT
Queen dies at 96

Buckingham Palace announced Thursday that Queen Elizabeth II has died. She was 96.

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” the palace said in a statement. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

Elizabeth is survived by her three sons, Charles, Prince of Wales; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex; her daughter, Anne, Princess Royal; her eight grandchildren, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge; Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex; Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie; Peter and Zara Phillips; Lady Louise Windsor; and James, Viscount Severn. She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren.

Her oldest son, Charles, succeeds her as king. His wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, is expected to become queen consort, a title that Elizabeth requested at the time of her Platinum Jubilee in June.

Charles’s oldest son, William, is now heir apparent to the throne.

Sep 08, 1:10 PM EDT
Biden briefed on queen’s health, White House says

U.S. President Joe Biden has been briefed on Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and “will be updated throughout the day concerning news out of the United Kingdom,” given the reports of her health, White House spokesperson John Kirby said Thursday

“His and the first lady’s thoughts are solidly and squarely with the queen today and her family,” Kirby told reporters.

Biden also expressed that his thoughts are with U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss, who took office on Tuesday and is currently taking part in a previously scheduled phone call with Biden and other allies focused on “continued support for Ukraine,” according to Kirby.

“I can tell you that in this video conference that the president is having as we speak, I can tell you that he did convey to Prime Minister Truss, who is on the video teleconference, that he and Dr. Biden are thinking very much of the queen and the family and the people of the United Kingdom,” Kirby said.

-ABC News’ Molly Nagle

Sep 08, 10:05 AM EDT
UK prime minister ‘deeply concerned’ about queen

U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss took to Twitter on Thursday to say that her “thoughts — and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom — are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time.”

“The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime,” Truss tweeted.

Truss, who was recently selected as the new leader of the United Kingdom’s ruling Conservative Party, had an audience with the queen at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Tuesday, during which she was formally asked to form a new government as prime minister after Boris Johnson’s official resignation. It was the first time in the queen’s 70-year reign that the ceremonial transfer of power was held at Balmoral, rather than at Buckingham Palace in London.

Sep 08, 9:41 AM EDT
Senior royals head to Balmoral Castle

Senior members of the British royal family are either at or on their way to Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where Queen Elizabeth II remains “under medical supervision.”

The queen’s oldest child and the heir to her throne, Charles, prince of Wales; and his wife, Camilla, duchess of Cornwall; as well as the queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, are already at Balmoral, according to their respective spokespersons.

Meanwhile, the queen’s other sons, Prince Andrew, duke of York; and Prince Edward, earl of Wessex; as well as Edward’s wife, Sophie, countess of Wessex; Charles’ two sons, Prince William, duke of Cambridge; Prince Harry, duke of Sussex; and Harry’s wife, Meghan, duchess of Sussex, are all on their way to Balmoral, their respective spokespersons confirmed.

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