King Charles has shared a heartbreaking statement in the wake of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II’s, death today (Thursday 8 September).
The King’s statement read: “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all my family members.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”
Queen Elizabeth II passed away aged 96 towards the end of the week and Charles has assumed the role of King.
The monarch’s death was first announced by the royal family in a Twitter post shared on Thursday that read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."
Soon after, Buckingham Palace released a full statement confirming the news, saying: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and Queen consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and return to London tomorrow.”
The death of the Queen marks a monumental moment of history: having ascended to the throne in 1952 aged just 27, she was the longest reigning British monarch, as well as the longest-serving female head of state ever.
Earlier this year, she reached 70 years on the throne and became the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee.
Her long reign bore witness to hugely significant moments in British history, including the legalisation of abortion and homosexuality, the Troubles and the Good Friday Agreement, as well as the UK joining (and subsequently leaving) the European Union.
During her reign, she worked alongside 15 Prime Ministers beginning with Winston Churchill and continuing through to new PM Liz Truss.
Despite her advancing years, the Queen never considered abdicating the throne, having reportedly told family members she would not give up the crown unless ‘she had a stroke, or got Alzheimer’s’.
Last year, she lost her husband of 74 years, Prince Philip, who died in April 2021 just two months before his 100th birthday.
Featured Image Credit: Idealink Photography/Lucy North /Alamy Stock PhotoTopics: Royal Family, The Queen
