Queen’s funeral date set as William, Kate, Harry and Meghan meet crowds

Summary

Tributes for the Queen continued to pour in at the weekend as her funeral cortege was due to leave Balmoral Castle for Edinburgh
On Saturday, Charles III was proclaimed King at an elaborate ceremony in London
Princes William and Harry, and their wives Kate and Meghan, met crowds at Windsor in an unexpected joint appearance
They collected floral tributes and spoke to some of those who had gathered to pay their respects
The Queen’s funeral will be held in Westminster Abbey on Monday 19 September

Live Reporting

Edited by Dulcie Lee

Archbishop's prayers with the King and the Royal Familypublished at 20:24 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has said in a statement that his "prayers are with the King and the Royal Family".
Quote Message
As we grieve together, we know that, in losing our beloved Queen, we have lost the person whose steadfast loyalty, service and humility has helped us make sense of who we are."
He added that the Queen leaves behind a truly extraordinary legacy "that is found in almost every corner of our national life, as well as the lives of so many nations around the world, and especially in the Commonwealth".
The archbishop says he met her on many occasions. He paid tribute to her "clarity of thinking, capacity for careful listening, inquiring mind, humour, remarkable memory and extraordinary kindness".
Shock and disbelief in Windsorpublished at 20:19 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
Helena Wilkinson
Reporting from Windsor Castle
Image source, Getty Images
As the flag was lowered at Windsor Castle, and the announcement was made, there was stunned silence.
Shock. Disbelief. Her Majesty the Queen had died at the age of 96.
A woman next to me burst into tears. For most of the afternoon the rain had poured down in Windsor.
Soon after the announcement, the skies cleared, and a rainbow appeared.
Castle staff covered visitor signs in black paper. Crowds began to gather. They laid flowers. And candles.
Windsor Castle was the Queen's much-loved home. Locals here saw her as their neighbour.
They along with so many around the world, will feel her loss deeply.
Prince Harry arrives at Balmoralpublished at 20:12 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
The Duke of Sussex has now arrived at Balmoral, where a few floral tributes have already been laid, a few hours after his brother William and Princes Andrew and Edward.
Prince Harry will join other members of the Royal Family as they mourn the death of the Queen, who died earlier this afternoon.
His wife Meghan did not travel with him to Scotland.
Image source, Getty Images
Biden leads international tributes to the Queenpublished at 20:05 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
Leaders from around the world have been speaking of their sadness at the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
US President Joe Biden spoke fondly of their first meeting in 1982 and more recently when she hosted him during an overseas trip in 2021.
Quote Message
She charmed us with her wit, moved us with her kindness, and generously shared with us her wisdom. She stood in solidarity with the United States during our darkest days after 9/11, when she poignantly reminded us that, 'Grief is the price we pay for love'."
Joe Biden, President of the United States of America
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute, saying the Queen was a "kind-hearted" monarch and a "friend of France".
Quote Message
"Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II embodied the British nation's continuity and unity for over 70 years. I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century."
Emmanuel Macron, French President
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the Queen as a "role model and inspiration for millions".
He praised her role in repairing relations between the UK and Germany after "the horrors of World War II".
Quote Message
She will be missed, not least her wonderful humour."
Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Queen Elizabeth was "one of his favourite people in the world".
Quote Message
She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country's history. I will miss her so."
Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister
Shock and sadness outside Buckingham Palacepublished at 20:00 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
Andre Rhoden-Paul
Reporting from Buckingham Palace
A sea of people now stands outside Buckingham Palace following news of the Queen's death.
Sheila De Bellaigue has shock all over her face. The 77-year-old from London says: "I'm feeling very sad as everybody is here. I didnt know until I just saw the flag."
Describing the Queen in one word, she says: "Staunch!"
She adds: "She's been a wonderful Queen and will be very much missed."
Michael Hammond also learned of the news when he saw the flag being lowered to half mast.
The 23-year-old from Southampton, says: "I'm absolutely gutted. I thought she embodied the British spirit."
Image source, PA Media
Bells ring out in Ballater village near Balmoralpublished at 19:51 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
Ben Philip
Reporting from Ballater, Scotland
Media caption,
Church bells ring out in nearby Ballater
As the news came out about the death of Her Majesty the Queen at Balmoral, the nearby village of Ballater fell silent.
The only sound came from the church bells ringing out of Glennuick Church in the centre of the village.
Passers-by stopped in their tracks and bowed their heads in an act of remembrance.
This is a place used to seeing members of the Royal Family, a place which protected them and respected their privacy.
One woman said that while the Queen’s death was sad, Balmoral was the best place for it to happen because Her Majesty loved it here.
Queen Elizabeth II: A constant presence in a changing worldpublished at 19:44 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
Queen Elizabeth II's reign saw the world change dramatically but she remained a constant presence in the lives of the people of the UK and Commonwealth.
Formal notice of Queen's death placed outside palacepublished at 19:42 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
Image source, Getty Images
This evening two members of staff posted the formal notice of the Queen’s death on an easel on the railings of Buckingham Palace.
The notice says: "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."
Image source, Getty Images
We'll treasure the Queen's life of service - Labour leaderpublished at 19:40 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the Queen, describing her as a "remarkable sovereign".
In a statement he said: "It is a deep, private loss for the Royal Family and all our thoughts are with them at this time. The nation shares in their grief.
Quote Message
We will always treasure Queen Elizabeth II's life of service and devotion to our nation and the Commonwealth; our longest-serving and greatest monarch. Above the clashes of politics, she stood not for what the nation fought over, but what it agreed upon.
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As Britain changed rapidly around her, this dedication became the still point of our turning world. So as our great Elizabethan era comes to an end, we will honour the late Queen's memory by keeping alive the values of public service she embodied.
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For seventy years, Queen Elizabeth II stood as the head of our country. But, in spirit, she stood amongst us."
Charles finally achieves his destinypublished at 19:31 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
Nicholas Witchell
BBC royal correspondent
Image source, Reuters
For Charles, there will be conflicting emotions. There will be great sadness, that he refers to in his statement, for the loss of his mother.
But also, this is the moment he finally achieves his destiny. He is the oldest and longest-serving heir-apparent in British history. He will be the oldest person, at 73, to become King in British history.
Charles III will know this is a challenge - to step into the role successfully occupied by Elizabeth II for so many years.
He has had a long time to think about this, he hasn't spoken about it – because it wouldn't be appropriate. The only clue he has given, is that he fully understands the role of monarch is very different to that of the Prince of Wales.
He will reign in his own way, but within the constraints of the constitutional monarchy.
New King will be known as Charles IIIpublished at 19:27 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
Breaking
The new King will officially be known as King Charles III, it has been officially confirmed.
The announcement of the Queen's death on the BBCpublished at 19:26 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
This is the moment the BBC announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch.
The announcement was followed by the national anthem.
Scottish and Welsh First Ministers send deepest condolencespublished at 19:23 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
The first ministers of the devolved nations of Scotland and Wales have paid tribute to the Queen, sending their condolences to the Royal Family.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted:
Quote Message
The death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, is a profoundly sad moment for the UK, the Commonwealth and the world. Her life was one of extraordinary dedication and service. On behalf of the people of Scotland, I convey my deepest condolences to the King and the Royal Family."
Nicola Sturgeon
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said that he was "incredibly sad" to hear of the Queen's death.
Quote Message
As our longest-reigning monarch, she firmly upheld the values and traditions of the British Monarchy. On behalf of the people of Wales, I offer our deepest condolences to Her Majesty's family during this sad time."
Mark Drakeford
Millions will feel a sense of personal losspublished at 19:22 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
Nicholas Witchell
BBC royal correspondent
This news is, for the Royal Family and the nation, an absolutely massive moment - the moment so many people have dreaded for so long.
It is a moment of great solemnity, and national sadness.
It's really hard to fully take it in. It's no great surprise given Queen Elizabeth's age, but nevertheless it is a moment of very considerable shock that she has died.
Millions will feel a sense of personal loss, and many will find it rather disorientating.
It is not just the death of the longest-reigning monarch in British history, it is the end of one of the most remarkable reigns in the more than 1,000-year history of the British monarchy.
It is a reign which will be remembered and talked about in years to come.
Image source, Reuters
Image caption,
Crowds of people have gathered outside Buckingham Palace this evening
God save the King - Trusspublished at 19:20 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
Prime Minister Liz Truss says Queen Elizabeth II leaves a "great legacy".
"Today the Crown passes, as it has done for more than a thousand years, to our new monarch, our new head of state, His Majesty King Charles III.
"With the King's family we mourn the loss of his mother and come together.
"We offer him our loyalty and devotion, just as his mother devoted so much to us for so long."
She finishes her statement saying it is "the passing of the second Elizabethan age".
Truss concludes by saying: "God save the King."
A huge shock to the nation and the world - Prime Minister Trusspublished at 19:16 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
Prime Minister Liz Truss has been speaking outside Downing Street.
She said "we are all devastated" at the news of the Queen's death, which is a "huge shock to the nation and the world".
She describes the Queen as "a rock on which modern Britain was built", adding: "Britain is the great country it is today because of her."
She said the Queen was a personal inspiration to her as well as many Britons.
"Her devotion to duty is an example to us all."
Image source, Reuters
The new King releases a statementpublished at 19:09 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
A statement has just been issued by the Royal Family on behalf of Charles, the new King.
He writes: "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.
"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."
Image source, .
The new heirpublished at 18:58 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
Image source, Getty Images
Since he was born in 1982, Prince William has been second in line to the throne - that is, two steps removed.
His father is now the King, and he has become the first in line. Prince William does not automatically become Prince of Wales as the title is in the gift of the monarch, but he is now Duke of Cornwall, and his wife Catherine is Duchess of Cornwall.
Unlike the Queen, Prince William has known all his life that one day he would become heir to the throne. Behind him in the line of succession is his eldest child, Prince George. The nine-year-old is now second in line to the throne.
Royal Family goes into mourningpublished at 18:53 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
The Queen leaves a large and devoted family - one that has recently mourned the death of her husband Prince Philip.
Her four children, Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward, gave her eight grand-children. She also leaves 12 great-grandchildren.
Prince William has become the heir to the throne, at the age of 40.
The Royal Family will now enter a period of mourning. Official engagements will be cancelled and union jack flags will be flown at half-mast on royal residences, government buildings, across the Armed Forces and UK Posts overseas.
Flag at Buckingham Palace lowered to half mastpublished at 18:49 British Summer Time 8 September 2022
Image source, PA Media
The flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half mast at 6.30pm.
As the news of Queen's death was announced, hundreds of people were gathered outside the gates. Some began crying. A single helicopter circled the sky above.