Buckingham Palace confirms Queen Elizabeth II dies age 96 - live updates
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In a statement, they said that she had died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
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Leeds mourns Queen Elizabeth II’s death
Key Events
- Queen’s coffin to begin journey to its final resting place
- Super League play-off semi-finals to go ahead as planned next weekend
- Royal Family confirm funeral date
- Prince William pays tribute
Palace statement on Queen’s health
The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became concerned for her health, Buckingham Palace said.
A Palace spokesperson said: “Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.”
The Queen’s immediate family members have been informed, with the latest announcement escalating fears for the monarch’s health.
The head of state pulled out of a virtual Privy Council on Wednesday after doctors ordered her to rest.
Prime Minister says the nation is thinking of Queen and her family
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle interrupted the speech of SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford during the energy debate to tell MPs: “I know I speak on behalf of the entire House when I say that we send our best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen and that she and the royal family are in our thoughts and prayers at this moment.”
He added: “If there is anything else, we will update the House accordingly.”
Prime Minister Liz Truss said: “The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime.
“My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time.”
Royal family members head to Balmoral
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have travelled to Balmoral, Clarence House said.
The Duke of Cambridge is also travelling to Balmoral, Kensington Palace said.
Former PM David Cameron ‘deeply concerned'
Former Conservative prime minister David Cameron said he was “deeply concerned” by the news about the Queen’s health.
Harry and Meghan heading to Balmoral
It’s being reported that Harry and Meghan are also making their way to Balmoral
Leeds MPs react to news of Queen’s ill health
Leeds MPs have been sharing their messages for the Queen and her family:
Leeds city councillors share their messages for the Queen
Some Leeds city councillors have shared their well-wishes for the Queen and the Royals on Twitter.
Queen’s children rally round monarch
Princes Edward and Andrew, as well as Princess Anne, have also gone to Balmoral, it has been reported.
BBC One suspends regular programming
BBC One has suspended its regular programming schedule following the announcement that the Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral.
The broadcaster is currently airing a BBC News Special with the next planned programme being the BBC News at Six.
Presenter Huw Edwards is dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and black tie, in line with the BBC’s dress code for when a member of the royal family dies as a mark of respect.
BBC One interrupted Bargain Hunt at 12.39 to deliver the statement from Buckingham Palace which said royal doctors were concerned for health.
The statement said the head of state was comfortable and her royal physicians recommended she remain under medical supervision.
The broadcaster has been airing rolling news coverage since discussing the health concerns of the Queen with various reporters including BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell.
What happens next if the Queen dies?
As the nation awaits further news, many people are asking what happens next if the Queen dies.
The plan for what will happen should the Queen pass away in Scotland is called Operation Unicorn.
It sets out everything from how the news of her death would be announced and where her coffin would lie in response through to the suspension of parliament and the various events that would take place in the day’s leading up to her funeral.
Read more here:
This is what will happen if Queen Elizabeth II dies in Balmoral
What happens if Queen Elizabeth II dies in Balmoral, what is Operation Unicorn and where would she be buried?