Related video: The Queen mourns her late husband Prince Philip at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in April 2021
Liz Truss, Sir Keir Starmer and Boris Johnson are among world leaders and politicians paying heartfelt tributes as Britain mourns the death of the Queen, Britain’s longest-serving monarch, who died aged 96 .
He reigned for almost seven decades between 1952 and 2022, overseeing major political and cultural changes in national life, from the end of the era of colonial rule to Brexit.
Her son, Charles, automatically succeeds her as King Charles III, taking her place in the government of the United Kingdom and more than a dozen Commonwealth nations, a role for which she has spent her entire life preparing – if
Liz Truss, who became prime minister after an audience with the Queen at Balmoral on Tuesday, praised the “rock of modern Britain” in a speech in Downing Street four hours after the death.
Former prime ministers, other political party leaders, heads of state and celebrities came together to pay huge tribute to the Queen.
US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill said in a statement that she was “a statesman of unmatched dignity and constancy” who “helped make our relationship special.”
Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer said the nation mourned the death of a “remarkable sovereign” and that King Charles III would uphold his values.
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Donald Trump pays tribute to the Queen
Former US President Donald Trump said the Queen was an extraordinary woman who never made mistakes.
It was a very sad day, he added, recalling how his mother from Stornoway was a “tremendous fan”.
Donald Trump pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Jane Dalton September 8, 2022 9:38 p.m
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Rail and postal strikes suspended as mourning begins
Planned strikes by British postal and rail workers have been called off as a result of the Queen’s death.
Union leaders paid tribute to the longest-reigning sovereign.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) was due to walk out on September 15 and 17.
Rail and postal strikes called off as union bosses pay tribute to Queen
Schools will remain open, sports and cultural bodies will decide whether to cancel events
Jane Dalton September 8, 2022 9:12 p.m
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The White House lowers the flag to half-staff
The White House lowers the flag to half-staff
Jane Dalton September 8, 2022 9:10 pm
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Ex-footballer sparks outrage by asking why BAME people ‘have to cry’
A former England footballer has caused a stir by asking why BAME people should be crying.
Trevor Sinclair, who now works for TalkSport, tweeted: “Racism was outlawed in England in the 60’s and allowed to thrive so why should black and brown cry!!”
Among the thousands of people who responded, John Sinclair replied: “Trev, I’m black and I can’t believe my eyes when you said that and I want to say THAT in a tweet. I’m absolutely disgusted by this and I expected better! !! Shame on you Trev and I hope this poor tweet cost you your job as an expert.”
Other users called it an “embarrassing” comment and advised him to delete it.
In 2020, Trevor Sinclair wrote: “Our Queen looked so frail when she addressed the nation earlier, but she was so genuine with humility, her majesty still inspiring.”
Jane Dalton September 8, 2022 9:08 p.m
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Thousands of people cry in the palace
Thousands of mourners remained outside Buckingham Palace after darkness fell.
Some sang the national anthem and the Union flag at the palace was lowered to half-mast.
Black taxi drivers lined up their vehicles at the mall.
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Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain
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Jane Dalton September 8, 2022 9:00 p.m
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Saddest day, says Boris Johnson, as former prime ministers pay tribute
Britain is enduring its “saddest day” after the death of “Elizabeth the Great”, Boris Johnson has said.
He was one of six living former prime ministers from Elizabeth’s reign to pay tribute, just two days after he met the monarch at Balmoral to step down.
He insisted the Queen spread “magic around her kingdom” for an “unmatched” 70 years and that she possessed a “simple power to make us happy”.
Johnson said: “This is our country’s saddest day. In the hearts of each of us there is a sorrow for the passing of our Queen, a deep and personal sense of loss, far more intense, perhaps, than we expected.
“In these first sad moments since the news, I know that millions and millions of people have been stopping everything they’ve been doing, to think of Queen Elizabeth, the bright, shining light that has finally gone out.
“It seemed so timeless and so wonderful that I’m afraid we had come to believe, like children, that it would go on and on.
“Wave after wave of grief is rolling across the world, from Balmoral, where our thoughts are with the entire Royal Family, and breaking far beyond this country and throughout that great Commonwealth of Nations which he so loved and which loved in return
“As is so natural with human beings, it is only when we face the reality of our loss that we truly understand what has happened. It is only now that we understand how much he meant to us, how much he did for us, how much he loved us
“When we think of the void he leaves, we understand the vital role he played, selflessly and calmly embodying the continuity and unity of our country.”
Johnson praised the Queen’s “profound wisdom” and her “seemingly inexhaustible but underrated sense of duty”.
He added: “This is our country’s saddest day because she had a unique and simple power to make us happy. That’s why we loved her. That’s why we mourn Elizabeth the Great, the oldest monarch and, in many ways, the best monarch in our history.”
Johnson said he believes the new king will “do justice to his legacy.”
Jane Dalton September 8, 2022 8:50 pm
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No news about government policies during 10 days of official mourning
Mrs Truss was told of the Queen’s death at 4.30pm by the Cabinet Secretary while working at Number 10, Downing Street has revealed.
She personally wrote the statement she made outside Number 10 shortly after 7pm.
The Prime Minister then spoke to King Charles III by phone after his statement on the street, and will soon chair a ministerial meeting with the heads of departments most involved in the mourning period, including the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of the Interior and the leader. of the Commons, as well as operational chiefs of the police and members of the royal household.
Tomorrow, Friday, the official 10-day mourning period will begin.
During the mourning period there will be no announcements or speeches about government policies, but the day-to-day business of government will continue.
Mrs Truss is expected to lead tributes in the Commons tomorrow, if confirmed by the Speaker.
Jane Dalton September 8, 2022 8:49 p.m
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What is a state funeral and who has had one in the UK?
Unlike Prince Philip, who had a royal ceremonial funeral, the Queen will have a state funeral, which is usually reserved for the sovereign.
But what exactly is a state funeral and who else has had one? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is a state funeral and who has had one in the UK?
Will the Queen have a state funeral?
Jane Dalton September 8, 2022 8:36 p.m
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Huge moment in British history, says an emotional Sir John Major
Sir John Major choked back tears as he paid tribute to the Queen.
“It’s heartbreaking news – it’s news that one day we knew we’d get but we always expected it to be delayed,” he told the BBC, adding: “This is a huge change for the country and it’s a very important in history, a key, pivotal moment. And I think there will be many tears shed tonight and for days to come.”
(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Jane Dalton September 8, 2022 8:34 pm
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There are tributes from stars of the screen, stage sport and television
Celebrities from the world of arts and sports are among those paying tribute to his majesty.
Apple boss Tim Cook said: “There is nothing nobler than dedicating your life to the service of others”, while Piers Morgan remembered her as “dignified, humble, wise, stoic and dedicated to duty” .
Tributes to Queen Elizabeth II: Celebrities honor monarch after death at 96
Britain’s longest-serving monarch died on Thursday, September 8
Jane Dalton September 8, 2022 8:32 pm