Queen Elizabeth II’s death live updates: Britain mourns longest-serving monarch
The 96-year-old queen died Thursday at Balmoral, her castle in Scotland.
The death of Queen Elizabeth II is being mourned in Britain and across the world. The country’s longest-reigning monarch died Thursday at age 96.
Large crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace in central London, while tributes pour in from across the country and the world. Fears had been growing about the queen's health as the royal family rushed to Scotland to be by her side after Buckingham Palace said she had been placed under medical supervision.
Few Britons have known another monarch, so the end of Elizabeth’s reign after more than 70 years will thrust the royal family — and Britain — into days of mourning and an uncertain new era.
The country's new king, who will be known as King Charles III, has released a statement and will address the nation Friday.
Follow here for live coverage.
Elton John, Mick Jagger among U.K. rock royalty paying tribute to the queen
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, British rock royalty took to Twitter to pay tribute.
Rollings Stones front-man Mick Jagger said the queen was a staple in his life since childhood. “For my whole life Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has always been there," Jagger wrote. "I remember her as a beautiful young lady, to the much beloved grandmother of the nation. My deepest sympathies are with the Royal family.”
The Beatles' Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr also honored the late monarch. McCartney added his condolences by making three succinct statements: “God bless Queen Elizabeth II.” “May she rest in peace” and “Long live The King.” Starr tweeted: “God bless Queen Elizabeth peace and love to all the family peace and love Ringo.”
Elton John wrote: “Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing. She was an inspiring presence to be around and led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth.”
Looking back at the queen’s many encounters with U.S. presidents
Prime minister alerted to queen's death 2 hours prior to public
No. 10 Downing St., the office of the British prime minister, said that Liz Truss was told of the queen's death at 4:30 p.m. GMT by the Cabinet secretary, about two hours before it was shared publicly.
Truss, who became prime minister earlier this week, then spoke to King Charles III, a spokesperson for the office said.
Beyond the speech she gave earlier Thursday, there are no other plans for Truss to make further statements, the spokesperson said. Anything else that occurs in the coming days will be a matter for Buckingham Palace.
Empire State Building to honor queen
The Empire State Building in Manhattan will be lit up Thursday night to honor the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The handlers of the iconic New York City landmark's social media account said in a Twitter statement: “Tonight, our tower lights will shine in purple and sparkle in silver to honor the life and legacy of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.”
'London Bridge' in motion: Plan for the queen's death swings into action
The term "London Bridge" was trending on social media across the world Thursday as the queen's death set in motion well-rehearsed plans that have been honed over many years.
It's an event that courtiers and civil servants have long prepared for.
Read more about the plans for the days ahead here.
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