Britain's King Charles III has made his first address to the nation after returning to London from Scotland following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Britain's King Charles III has addressed the nation for the first time as monarch, following the death on Thursday of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
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See a summary of Friday's events below -- and watch our TV coverage in the video player above:
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In summary
- In his first address as monarch from Buckingham Palace, King Charles III said the Royal Family owed a "heartfelt debt" to his mother, and vowed to carry on her "lifelong service".
- Charles said his son William would succeed him as Prince of Wales, with William's wife Catherine becoming Princess of Wales.
- A remembrance service for Queen Elizabeth II, who died at Balmoral on Thursday aged 96, has been held at St Paul's Cathedral in London.
- Earlier Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, greeted crowds of well-wishers outside Buckingham Palace after arriving in London from Scotland.
- As tributes continue to flood in from around the world for the Queen, a period of national mourning has been declared until the end of the day of the state funeral.
- At midday on Friday, bells tolled at Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
- Gun salutes also took place across the UK as well as in Gibraltar and Jersey, with one round fired for each year of the Queen's life.
- King Charles III: Who is the UK's new monarch?
- From Churchill to Yeltsin and Tito to Trudeau, the Queen's extraordinary reign in pictures.
- How is Europe reacting to the death of Britain's longest-reigning monarch?
- Obituary: Queen Elizabeth II's life of service, dedication and duty.
- Watch Euronews TV live in the video player above.
Condolences, flowers and half-masts: Europe's tributes to Queen Elizabeth
Both French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke of the Queen's devotion to duty, and their nations' friendships.
Watch and read more on those and other tributes from around Europe here:
What happens on Saturday and in the coming days?
Here are the main events lined up for the weekend and subsequent days, as the UK mourns Queen Elizabeth and goes through the formalities of King Charles' accession.
(Timings are all BST, +1 for CET)
— 10 a.m. — Charles meets at St. James’s Palace with senior officials known as the Accession Council and is officially proclaimed King.
— 11 a.m. — An official reads the proclamation aloud from a balcony at St. James's Palace. It is also read out in other locations across the UK.
— 1 p.m. — Parliament holds a second day of tributes to the Queen.
Subsequent days:
— The Queen’s body is moved from Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands to Edinburgh, where the coffin is likely to rest at Holyrood Palace before being moved to St. Giles' Cathedral so members of the public can pay their respects.
— The coffin will be transported by train or plane to London.
— The Queen will then lie in state for several days in Parliament’s Westminster Hall, where the public will again be able to pay their respects.
— A state funeral at Westminster Abbey will be attended by leaders and dignitaries from around the world.
— The period of national mourning will end after the day of the Queen’s funeral.
King Charles meets new Prime Minister Liz Truss
King Charles III told Prime Minister Liz Truss that losing his mother was the day he had been dreading and that he must “try and keep everything going."
Their meeting happened Friday in Buckingham Palace after the king flew from Scotland to London.
Queen Elizabeth II had appointed Truss to the role just two days before her death.
EU and member states pay tribute to Elizabeth II
Already Thursday night brought a flood of messages of condolence and praise for the Queen from around Europe, following the news of her death.
Here is a useful Twitter thread by Mujtaba Rahman, director of Eurasia Group consultants, listing more tributes — some official, some spontaneous — from the EU and its countries.
King Charles III promises 'lifelong service'
Read more on the new British monarch's first address to the nation:
King Charles III vows 'lifelong service' in first speech as monarch
The address was broadcast on television and streamed at St Paul's Cathedral, where 2,000 people attended a service of remembrance for Queen Elizabeth II.Charles thanks 'darling Mama' in first address as monarch
King Charles III says he feels “profound sorrow” over the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and is vowing to carry on her “lifelong service” to the nation.
Charles was making his first address to the nation as monarch on Friday, following the Queen’s death.
"Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen – my beloved Mother – was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example. Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing," he said.
“That promise of lifelong service I renew to all today,” he added, delivering the address with a framed photo on the Queen on a desk.
“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," he said.
He ended by saying the nation, the Commonwealth and the "global community" would soon be coming together "to lay my beloved mother to rest", calling for her example to give people strength.
"And to my darling Mama, as you begin your last great 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. May 'flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest'.
His speech was broadcast on television and streamed at St. Paul’s Cathedral, where some 2,000 people were attending a service of remembrance for the Queen. Mourners at the service included Prime Minister Liz Truss and members of her government.
From Churchill to Trudeau: the Queen's extraordinary reign in pictures
Queen Elizabeth II's death on Thursday marks an end to her record-breaking seven decades on the throne, with only France’s Louis XIV ahead of her in the history books.
During her reign, she saw 15 British prime ministers come and go, from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss, via the likes of Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair.
The monarch met 13 of the last 14 US presidents, a total of 10 French leaders and seven popes.
The Queen also set foot in 117 countries and was the first reigning UK sovereign to visit Ireland and Russia, among others.
Here are some of the most important moments during the Queen's record-breaking reign:
Denmark's Queen Margrethe scales down jubilee celebrations
Queen Elizabeth's death leaves Denmark's Queen Margrethe as Europe's longest reigning monarch.
The country was due to celebrate her 50 years on the throne this weekend, but several events have now been put off or curtailed.
Read more here:
Queen Margrethe scales down jubilee events after Elizabeth II's death
Several events marking the Danish monarch's 50 years on the throne have been put off or curtailed at her request, following the death of Britain's Queen Elizabeth.'She left a void': Queen Elizabeth II remembered outside Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has become the centre of the United Kingdom's grief and mourning, with thousands gathering to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II after she died on Thursday.
Euronews' international correspondent Anelise Borges reports from London — read and watch here:
'She left a void': Tributes to Queen placed outside Buckingham Palace
Mourners from around the world gathered outside Buckingham Palace, saying Queen Elizabeth II has left a void. #EuropeNewsPrime Minister Liz Truss pays tribute to Queen in Parliament
Prime Minister Liz Truss on Friday said the death of Queen Elizabeth II had caused a “heartfelt outpouring of grief” in Britain and around the world.
Speaking earlier, at the start of a special session of Parliament paying tribute to the Queen, Truss called the monarch “the nation’s greatest diplomat” and said her devotion to duty was an example to everyone.
"On the death of her father, King George VI, Winston Churchill (the then prime minister) said the news had stilled the clatter and traffic of 20th century life in many lands. Now, 70 years later, in the tumult of the 21st century, life has paused again. Her late majesty, Queen Elizabeth II was one of the greatest leaders the world has ever known. She was the rock on which modern Britain was built," Truss said.
The prime minister was officially appointed by the Queen on Tuesday, just two days before her death.
Truss said at the meeting, “she generously shared with me her deep experience of government, even in those last days”.
Normal business in Parliament has been suspended and lawmakers will spend two days offering their memories and reflections on the Queen.
Senior lawmakers will also take an oath to King Charles III, the new monarch.
Macron pays respects at British Embassy in Paris
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday hailed a "Queen of courage and valour" and laid a white rose in front of Elizabeth II's portrait at the British Embassy in Paris, where he signed the book of condolences for the late sovereign.
"Here, in Paris which she loved so much, as well as everywhere in France, the grief of our compatriots is immense," he wrote in the register, as seen by AFP.
"For 70 years, Elizabeth II was a Queen of courage and valour, a friend of France. We are by your side," he added, alongside the British ambassador Menna Rawlings.
The president, dressed in a black suit, then laid a rose in front of a portrait of the Queen before bowing.
The ambassador thanked President Macron for his "moving tribute, his empathy and his respect".
She hailed the UK's "greatest diplomat" and recalled her "love for France", the country she had visited most in Europe.
"She was a constant in our lives and in the lives of millions of people (...) She embodied what it was to be British and gave her nation firm leadership, courage, joy and when necessary hope," she said.
"She was the calm in our storm," she added, referring to the history of the Franco-British relationship.
Earlier, Emmanuel Macron recorded a video message, mostly in English, to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth.
In it, he praised her courage, tenacity, and defence of freedom.
"We are grateful for her deep affection for France. Elizabeth II mastered our language, loved our culture and touched our hearts," the French president said.
"To you, (the British) she was your Queen. To us, she was The Queen," he added. "She will be with all of us forever."
King Charles and Camilla arrive at Buckingham Palace
King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, have arrived at Buckingham Palace where thousands of people have gathered.
They both got out of their car to do a spontaneous walkabout to greet well-wishers.
Dressed in a dark suit, Charles shook hands with those in the crowd, to applause, as well as cheers.
"People burst into a chorus of 'God save the King' as Charles and Camilla greeted the crowds and the royal standard was raised above the palace," Euronews' James Thomas reported from the scene.
The couple inspected the thousands of flowers that have been laid all the way along the front gates, and have now entered the palace grounds on foot.
Gun salutes of 96 rounds
Cannon shots were fired across the United Kingdom - from London to Belfast -- on Friday afternoon in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday aged 96.
There were 96 rounds fired to mark each year of her life.
The shots were fired in London at Hyde Park and the Tower of London, but also at the English prehistoric site of Stonehenge and in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, in southern Spain.
Premier League matches called off this weekend
The Premier League has postponed its upcoming round of matches as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
This adds to the cancellation of high-profile golf, cricket and horse racing events across the country on Friday.
England’s top-flight clubs held a meeting on Friday and said they wanted to “pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country.”
The English Football League — the three divisions below the Premier League — also called off games scheduled for the weekend.
(AP)
Bells toll for Britain's longest-serving monarch
Bells tolled across Britain on Friday in honour of Queen Elizabeth II as the nation started 10 days of mourning for its longest-serving monarch.
In imposing city cathedrals and small-town chapels, the bells began ringing at noon (1100 GMT) as part of a long-planned, carefully organised series of events to mark the queen’s passing.
At the same time, the British Parliament opened a special session to pay tribute to the queen.
An hour later, a special gun salute is planned, with 96 shots, one for each year of Elizabeth’s nearly-century-long life.
(AP)
King Charles III en route to London
King Charles III has left Balmoral Castle and is on his way to London, where he is expected to meet with Prime Minister Liz Truss and deliver a speech to the nation.
Britain has begun a 10-day mourning period, with bells tolling around the country and 96-gun salutes planned in London — one for each year of the queen’s long life.
The king takes the throne at a time when many Britons are preoccupied with an energy crisis, the soaring cost of living, war in Ukraine and the fallout from Brexit.
No quick changes to British currency featuring Queen's image
The death of Queen Elizabeth II has left many wondering what will happen to British money that bears her image, and whether it would be replaced by portraits of the new King Charles III.
Financial authorities sought to reassure people that there would be no big changes right away, but said little else.
“Current banknotes featuring the image of Her Majesty The Queen will continue to be legal tender,” the Bank of England said on its website. “A further announcement regarding existing Bank of England banknotes will be made once the period of mourning has been observed.”
The Queen was the first monarch to feature on British bank notes after the Treasury gave the central bank permission to use her image for a new 1 pound note issued in 1960.
(AP)
Businesses, events can be organised during the mourning period, says UK government
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the UK government issued guidance on observing the national mourning period, stating that businesses can remain open and events like concerts and football games do to need to be cancelled.
"This is at the discretion of individual organisations," the statement said.
"As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so," it stated.
"In keeping with the tone of national mourning, organisers may wish to hold a period of silence and/or play the National Anthem at the start of events or sporting fixtures, and players may wish to wear black armbands.”
The English Football League has already postponed Friday's games between Burnley and Norwich in the Championship and Tranmere and Stockport in League Two.
European newspapers pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Friday's newspaper headlines on the continent have all paid tribute following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Here is a round-up of some of the most notable front pages:
Queen's passing is a moment of enormous change for the world, says Archbishop of Canterbury
The head of the Anglican church, Justin Welby, says that the death of Queen Elizabeth II is a moment of enormous change for Britain and the world.
The queen – who was also the supreme governor of the Church of England – was on the throne for 70 years.
Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said that for many people, “a part of our lives we’ve taken for granted as being permanent is no longer there.”
He added that with the Queen's death “there is an enormous shift in the world around us, in how we see it and how we understand ourselves.”
(AP/Euronews)
Buckingham Palace announces seven days of mourning
Buckingham Palace said there would a period of mourning to be observed by members of the family and the royal household until a week after the funeral, the date of which has not yet been confirmed but is expected in about 10 days time.
"Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, it is His Majesty The King's wish that a period of Royal Mourning be observed from now until seven days after The Queen’s Funeral,” the Palace said in a statement.
The period of mourning is to be observed by "members of the Royal Family, Royal Household staff and Representatives of the Royal Household on official duties, together with troops committed to Ceremonial Duties,” it said.
Flags at Royal Residences will remain at half mast throughout the period.
Members of the public who wish to leave flowers have also been guided towards dedicated sites in Green Park and Hyde Park, and at Cambridge Gate in Windsor.
European royals pay their respects
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, whose 50-year reign is now Europe's longest, called Britain's late Queen Elizabeth II “a towering figure among European monarchs and a great inspiration to us all.”
“We shall miss her terribly,” Margrethe said in a statement released by the Danish royal household.
In neighbouring Sweden, King Carl XVI Gustaf said the British monarch had “an outstanding devotion and sense of duty” while Norway's King Harald said Elizabeth devotedly "accompanied the British people through joys and sorrows, in good times and bad times.”
(AP)
Three days of national mourning in Brazil
The Brazilian government has declared three days of mourning in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, following her death on Thursday.
"Official mourning is declared throughout the country, for a period of three days, starting on the date of publication of this decree, as a sign of sorrow for the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," the government said in a statement.
(Reuters)
Queen's death 'a great loss to the British people' says China's President Xi
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the British royal family over the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
He noted in the statement Friday that Elizabeth was the first British monarch to visit China, which she did in 1986. "Her death is a great loss to the British people.”
The statement added that China was willing to work with King Charles III as an opportunity to promote bilateral relations and benefit the two countries and their people.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also sent a message of condolence to British Prime Minister Liz Truss.
The queen’s death Thursday comes amid tensions between Britain and China over human rights, trade and China’s relentless crackdown on free speech and the political opposition in the former British colony of Hong Kong.
The Queen’s death was a top trending topic on Chinese social media, with many people saying her death marks the end of an era.
(AP)
President Biden pays tribute
In a statement released on Thursday, US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden described Queen Elizabeth II as “more than a monarch”, a leader who “defined an era”.
“In a world of constant change, she was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her,” they said in a statement released by the White House.
"Queen Elizabeth II was a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy who deepened the bedrock Alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. She helped make our relationship special," they added.
Book of condolences opened
An online book of condolences has been opened, with people able to leave their own messages about the Queen, with a selection of the notes set to be passed on to the royal family.
Those wanting to leave a message can visit the official website of the royal family.
Crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace
Thousands gathered outside Buckingham Palace last night, despite the rain, to pay tribute to a monarch who has helped to guide her country for over seven decades.
King Charles III releases his first official statement
King Charles III released his first statement after becoming Britain's new monarch yesterday, paying tribute to his mother.
"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," he wrote.
“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.”