King Charles made his first speech as monarch. Follow the latest updates on the Queen’s death.
Latest updates:
- Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, has died;
- Charles, 73, accedes to the throne;
- The world begins to mourn.
9:16 p.m.
Britain begins to mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth after 70-year reign
The Globe’s Europe correspondent Paul Waldie reports from Sandringham, a royal estate in Norfolk, England where a steady stream of mourners gather outside the main gate.
“The country is not going to be the same without her,” said Ben Gage, who like so many others in that rural part of Britain thought of the Queen as family and one of the locals. She used to come to Sandringham every Christmas, and the sprawling grounds serve as a public park with forests, farm fields and rows of stables that house many of her beloved thoroughbreds. One note pinned to the gate read: “God be with you. There are horses in heaven too. We will miss you.” Another said simply: “Rest in Peace, Your Majesty.”
In central London, thousands of people descended on Buckingham Palace to pay their respects. In Washington, the U.S. flag over the White House was lowered to half-mast, and in Paris, the Eiffel Tower went dark in tribute.
Many mourners spoke about her longevity and how some people in Britain, Canada and her 13 other realms probably thought she would go on to at least 100.
– Paul Waldie
8:35 p.m.
Opinion: Queen Elizabeth has died, and with her a link to the past
For this country, Queen Elizabeth’s tenure knitted the time of a colony emerging from war to the uncertain world of nations in 2022, with what seemed like predictable stability. Already we can see no monarch will reign like her again.
There aren’t many Canadians who can remember her 1951 visit to Canada as Princess Elizabeth, the daughter of a wartime king who herself trained as a truck mechanic in the Second World War. She had been here, and on the throne, before most Canadians were born. Her likeness stretched back into silvery memories. There’s hardly any other conception of a queen.
It’s too soon, of course, to know what succession means for the future of the monarchy in Canada, but it seems hard to conceive now of any other royal ever receiving the same assumed deference, even veneration. the Queen’s constancy over history provided some quiet magic of the kind that makes a monarch’s valuable constitutional role, the idea that there is a rightful, beyond-questioning arbiter, easier.
Campbell Clark writes about the loss of the fairy dust in Canada’s constitutional monarchy.
8:19 p.m.
What Queen Elizabeth’s death means for Canadian currency
Canadians will be carrying around portraits of Queen Elizabeth II for years to come as coins and bank notes featuring the late monarch will remain in circulation as legal tender, Mark Rendell reports.
New money featuring King Charles III, meanwhile, could take some time to enter circulation. The federal government needs to approve any designs, and neither the Royal Canadian Mint nor the Bank of Canada have immediate plans to start production on new coins and bank notes.
“The legal tender status of existing circulation coins does not change because Canada’s monarch has changed,” Canadian Mint spokesperson Alex Reeves said in an e-mail. “There is no legal requirement to change existing circulation coins, so the coinage needs of business and consumers will continue to be met without interruption.”
7:30 p.m.
Share your memory of Queen Elizabeth with The Globe and Mail
The Globe and Mail wants to hear from readers about meeting Her Majesty in person. Where and when did you meet her? What do you remember most about that experience? Do you have a picture from that meeting you would like to share?
Share your stories with The Globe by filling out our form or if you’d prefer, please share your memory and photo by e-mailing audience@globeandmail.com.
6:50 p.m.
Queen Elizabeth left her mark as British history’s most travelled monarch
From coast to coast to coast, the Queen came to know Canada well during her 70 years as the country’s head of state.
The Queen was the most travelled monarch in British history, visiting Canada in her official capacity 22 times between 1957 and her last visit in 2010 (not including nine unofficial refuelling stops). She toured all 10 provinces and three territories, speaking admirably of the country’s diversity, traditions, culture and natural beauty.
Michelle Carbert and Rick Cash recount her many noteworthy trips over the years, from her first visit in 1951 to her last in 2010.
7:20 p.m.
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon delivers statement and signs the book of condolences
At Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Governor General Mary Simon delivered a statement to Canadians following the death of Queen Elizabeth. Simon said she was proud to have represented the Queen as Gov.-General and recounted that the Queen’s advice when she was appointed to the position was “be gentle with yourself.”
“I’ve come to understand her words to mean that while we should work hard on the issues that matter, we should also take time to pause,” she said. “To be patient. To lead with understanding and respect. I can see the wisdom in these words.”
Simon signed the book of condolence, which will be available at Rideau Hall for all Canadians to sign as of 9 a.m. Friday morning. The book of condolences is also available online for Canadians to sign.
5:35 p.m.
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon: ‘She was a steadfast presence’
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, who represents the monarch in Canada, issued an official statement following the Queen’s death:
“Today, my husband, Whit, and I join all Canadians in mourning the passing of our extraordinary sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“Her Majesty The Queen was, in equal measures, compassionate, dedicated, humble, engaged and wise. She believed in service to her people above all, and inspired so many with her dedication to the Crown.
“For many of us, we have only ever known one Queen.
“When I was growing up, my grandmother revered The Queen, as did so many in the Arctic. She would tell us stories about Her Majesty, about her role and her commitment.
“Her Majesty’s warm welcome when we spent time with her earlier this year was a profound moment in our lives and a memory we will cherish forever.
“Her reign encompassed the mandates of 12 Canadian prime ministers and 13 governors general. On 22 occasions, she undertook official visits to Canada, where she professed her love for our country again and again. She was a steadfast presence during some of the most tumultuous times of our lives, and most recently gave comfort to so many during the pandemic.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer deepest condolences to the members of the Royal Family, who grieve the loss of a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.”
4:30 p.m.
Canadian premiers react to Queen’s death
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the late Queen taught us the true meaning of selfless service. He says she was respected for her sense of duty and commitment to charity.
Ford expresses his condolences to King Charles III and wishes him great success as he ascends to the throne.
Flags have been lowered to half-mast at Ontario’s legislature, which is named Queen’s Park.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault offered condolences, posted online in French, to the British Royal Family and says the Quebec flag will fly at half-mast on public buildings to mark her death. Legault, currently running for re-election, suspended campaign activities because of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
In a statement, Legault’s party says it will resume activities on Friday.
British Columbia Premier John Horgan says Queen Elizabeth II made time for people “at every opportunity.”
He says tens of thousands of people came out to see the Queen when she travelled to communities throughout British Columbia. He says those these moments “will be cherished.”
How the world is remembering Queen Elizabeth
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says Queen Elizabeth II “was for us a bedrock of stability and continuity, a ceaselessly gracious and dignified presence in our lives.”
He says her death “is for me and for many a terrible shock, as something permanent in our lives has given way.”
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says he was deeply saddened to learn of the Queen’s death. He praised “the dedication, dignity and grace” with which she served as Queen of Canada and the Commonwealth.
He says “we express both our condolences and our loyalty to the Crown and to our new Monarch, His Majesty the King.”
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs called the Queen a guiding light in turbulent times, and a figure of stability.
P.E.I. Premier Dennis King says the Queen was an inspiration to everyone. He notes Elizabeth visited PEI a number of times during her reign with the first time in 1951 when she was still a princess.
He says the Island is privileged to commemorate King Charles’ accession to the throne, and he wishes him the best.
Yukon Premier Sandy Silver is recalling Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Whitehorse in 1959, saying it was a special moment for many. “On behalf of all Yukoners, I extend our sympathies to all members of the Royal Family,” Silver added.
3:30 p.m.
King Charles to address the nation Friday
Britain’s new monarch, King Charles, will address the nation on Friday, his spokesman said, his first speech following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth.
– Reuters
3:20 p.m.
Prince Harry has arrived at Balmoral
Britain's Prince Harry arrives at Balmoral in Scotland, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.Andrew Milligan/The Associated Press
Britain’s Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has arrived at Balmoral Castle in Scotland following the death of Queen Elizabeth.
3:15 p.m.
Prime Minister Trudeau says Queen was ‘one of my favourite people in the world’
“She was one of my favourite people in the world and I will miss her so,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa after cutting short a cabinet meeting in Vancouver. “She served us with strength and courage for 70 years.”
“She was a thoughtful, wise, curious and funny person and she gave me a great deal of wonderful advice,” Trudeau said. “In a complicated world, her steady presence, her grace and strength brought comfort and strength to us all.”
3:10 p.m.
Crowds gather to mourn passing of Queen Elizabeth
People grieved in the crowds outside Buckingham Palace when officials carried a notice confirming the Queen Elizabeth II’s death to the gates of her London home.
Thousands gathered in the pouring rain to mark their respects for the late monarch.
A notice announcing the death of Queen Elizabeth is placed on th railings outside of Buckingham Palace in London.DANIEL LEAL/AFP/Getty Images
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Royal superfan John Loughrey, 67, wept outside the palace as he paid tribute to the “inspirational” queen. He compared her and the late Prince Philip to swans, which are said to die of broken hearts when they lose their mate. She and Philip were married for 73 years until his death in April of last year.
“She went downhill after the Duke of Edinburgh died,″ Loughrey said. “They were like two swans.
“God save the Queen.”
– Canadian Press
2:45 p.m.
Britain’s new monarch to be known as King Charles III
Clarence House confirmed that Britain’s new monarch will be known as King Charles III.
Charles’ wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, will be known as Queen Consort – a title that came with Queen Elizabeth II’s blessing after years of contention, dating back to the days before she even married Prince Charles.
It wasn’t always a given that the 75-year-old Camilla would take the title, even though it gives her none of the sovereign’s powers.
– Reuters and AP
British Prime Minister Liz Truss arrives to deliver a speech outside 10 Downing Street after Queen Elizabeth died.PETER NICHOLLS/Reuters
2:35 p.m.
Reaction from politicians, officials
“Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built. Our country has grown and flourished under her reign. Britain is the great country it is today because of her. Through thick and thin, Queen Elizabeth II provided us with the stability and the strength that we needed. She was the very spirit of Great Britain – and that spirit will endure. She has been our longest-ever reigning monarch. It is an extraordinary achievement to have presided with such dignity and grace for 70 years. Her life of service stretched beyond most of our living memories. In return, she was loved and admired by the people in the United Kingdom and all around the world.”
— British Prime Minister Liz Truss
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson: “This is our country’s saddest day because she had a unique and simple power to make us happy. That is why we loved her. That is why we grieve for Elizabeth the Great, the longest serving and in many ways the finest monarch in our history.”
“It was one of her best achievements that she not only modernized the constitutional monarchy, but produced an heir to her throne who will amply do justice to her legacy, and whose own sense of duty is in the best traditions of his mother and his country. Though our voices may still be choked with sadness we can say with confidence the words not heard in this country for more than seven decades. God Save The King.”
Former prime minister, Theresa May: “It was the honour of my life to serve her as prime minister.”
Former British prime minister David Cameron: “No matter how prepared one could be for this day, there are no words that can adequately express the sense of loss our nation will feel.”
British House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle: “For all of us, the Queen has been a constant presence in our lives – as familiar as a member of the family, yet one who has exercised a calm and steadying influence over our country. Most of us have never known a time when she was not there. Her death is not only a tragedy for the Royal family, but a terrible loss for us all.”
Former British Prime Minister John Major: ‘We have all lost someone very precious to us and, as we mourn, we should be grateful that we were blessed with such an example of duty and leadership for so very many years.”
European Council President Charles Michel: “Our thoughts are with the royal family and all those who mourn Queen Elizabeth II in the U.K. and worldwide. Once called Elizabeth the Steadfast, she never failed to show us the importance of lasting values in a modern world with her service and commitment.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell: “Queen Elizabeth Il’s remarkable reign oversaw key events of the 20th & 21st century. The EU pays tribute to her unique contribution to building peace & reconciliation. While her loss will be felt around the world, our immediate thoughts are with her family & the people of the UK.”
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres: “As the United Kingdom’s longest-lived and longest-reigning Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II was widely admired for her grace, dignity, and dedication around the world. She was a reassuring presence throughout decades of sweeping change, including the decolonization of Africa and Asia and the evolution of the Commonwealth.
“Queen Elizabeth II was a good friend of the United Nations, and visited our New York Headquarters twice, more than fifty years apart. She was deeply committed to many charitable and environmental causes and spoke movingly to delegates at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow.
“I would like to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II for her unwavering, lifelong dedication to serving her people. The world will long remember her devotion and leadership.”
2:12 p.m.
Charles, Britain’s new king: A moment of the ‘greatest sadness’
In a statement, Charles said the death of his mother was “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.”
2:10 p.m.
Prime Minister Trudeau marks loss of Queen Elizabeth
“It was with the heaviest of hearts that we learned of the passing of Canada’s longest-reigning Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Trudeau said in a statement. “She was a constant presence in our lives – and her service to Canadians will forever remain an important part of our country’s history.”
“As we look back at her life and her reign that spanned so many decades, Canadians will always remember and cherish Her Majesty’s wisdom, compassion, and warmth. Our thoughts are with the members of the Royal Family during this most difficult time,” he wrote on Twitter.
1:57 p.m.
Governor General extends ‘deepest condolences’
“We offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11. Canadians across our country will mourn the loss of The Queen,” the Governor General said in a statement.
“Let us take a moment to honour Her Majesty’s memory in each of our own ways.”
2:01 p.m.
Operation Unicorn under way
In Britain, a plan (called Operation Unicorn in the event of her death in Scotland, and Operation London Bridge had she died in London) lays out exactly how the death is announced, what the Royal Family and prime minister will do and how security forces will deal with increased crowds and protect the new sovereign.
In the first 24 hours, her death will be announced publicly with a framed notice on the railing outside Buckingham Palace in London, as well as by e-mail and Royal Family websites.
Charles becomes king immediately. He pays his respects, records a speech for worldwide TV broadcast and meets key people such as the British prime minister, the Earl Marshal (a nobleman in charge of funeral plans) and the Accession Council, a ceremonial body that confirms he has taken the throne.
In Canada, the House of Commons and provincial legislatures have to set official mourning periods when public buildings will be closed and symbols of mourning will be used. Canada and the other Commonwealth realms also have to issue proclamations with the new sovereign’s title, which will be different depending on the country. These are only formalities, as is the coronation that comes later.
Princess Elizabeth with the Duke and Duchess of York, later to become King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, in 1929. Born on April 21, 1926, the young Elizabeth would grow up to be Britain's longest-serving monarch.
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1:34 p.m.
The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon
Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, has died at the age of 96.
She served for more than 70 years on the throne, and was Queen of Canada and 14 other countries. Her eldest son, Prince Charles, has acceded to the throne and is expected to take the name King George VII.
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement Thursday. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
12:47 p.m.
Biden’s thoughts are with Queen Elizabeth, her family
The White House said that President Joe Biden had been briefed about the situation on Queen Elizabeth’s ailing health and that his thoughts were with her and her family.
“His and the first lady’s thoughts are solidly and squarely with the queen today and her family,” White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.
12:40 p.m.
Princes arrives at Balmoral
Britain's Prince William drives a car carrying the Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex into Balmoral in Scotland, on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022.Andrew Milligan/The Associated Press
Britain’s Prince William drives a car carrying the Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex into Balmoral in Scotland.
11:55 a.m.
Prince Harry travelling alone to Scotland
Prince Harry is travelling alone to Scotland, without his wife Meghan, to be with his grandmother Queen Elizabeth, after doctors expressed concern about her health on Thursday, PA Media reported. It was reported earlier that he and his wife were travelling together to Balmoral.
– Reuters
11:45 a.m.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: ‘We’re wishing her well’
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he joins Canadians across the country in wishing the Queen well.
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon is also sending “thoughts of comfort and healing” to the 96-year-old monarch and the Royal Family through a message posted to Twitter today.
The Queen has been on the throne for 70 years, so a transition of power is unfamiliar territory for the current Canadian government. Experts say governance is expected to carry on as usual because the monarch remains the constitutional head of state in Canada no matter who is filling the role at any given time.
Succession from the Queen to her eldest son Charles is expected to be automatic, although there will be some formalities, including a proclamation from the Governor-General.
There will otherwise be no disruption to any governing bodies that sit in the Queen’s name, or to legislation, oaths and other legal documents issued in her name.
– The Canadian Press
11:30 a.m.
Queen Elizabeth is Britain’s longest-reigning sovereign
The Queen, who has reigned for 70 years, is also the world’s oldest monarch.
She acceded to the throne in the early morning of Feb. 6, 1952, when her father, King George VI, died at the Royal Family’s Sandringham estate. Elizabeth was in Kenya, filling in for her father, on an extended royal tour. She was crowned on June 2, 1953 at Westminster Abbey, the first ever coronation to be televised.
Queen Elizabeth II is shown in Buckingham Palace’s Throne Room after her coronation on June 2, 1953.CECIL BEATON/The Associated Press
The Queen has been served by 15 British prime ministers, from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss. During her reign, there have been 12 Canadian leaders – from Louis St. Laurent to Justin Trudeau – and 14 U.S. presidents (from Harry Truman to Joe Biden).
She became Britain’s longest-reigning monarch on Sept. 9, 2015, when she surpassed the 63 years, 7 months, 2 days, 16 hours and 23 minutes that her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria spent on the throne. The line of monarch dates back to Norman King William the Conqueror in 1066.
Her next big milestone comes on May 27, 2024, when she will overtake France’s Louis XIV as Europe’s longest-reigning monarch. He ruled for 72 years and 110 days, from 1643 to 1715.
She celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, 70 years on the throne, on Feb. 6 of this year.
– Reuters and Paul Waldie
10:30 a.m.
Buckingham Palace on Thursday
Thursday’s Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace was cancelled.
A sign noting the cancellation of today's guard changing ceremony at Buckingham Palace on September 8, 2022.Leon Neal/Getty Images
Some members of the British public are gathered outside Buckingham Palace in London.
A man wearing a crown-themed hat stands outside Buckingham Palace on September 8, 2022.TOBY MELVILLE/Reuters
Members of the public gather outside of Buckingham Palace on September 8 in London, England.Leon Neal/Getty Images
Members of the public sitting on Queen Victoria memorial outside Buckingham Palace on September 8.Kirsty O'Connor/The Associated Press
10 a.m.
BBC suspended regular programming following Palace announcement
The BBC, the country’s national broadcaster, interrupted its scheduled programming earlier this morning to switch to rolling news bulletins following the announcement that doctors were concerned for Queen Elizabeth’s health.
– Reuters
9:45 a.m.
Prime Minister Liz Truss ‘deeply concerned’ by news about Queen’s health
Here is some reaction to the news from Britain’s political leaders:
Prime Minister Liz Truss:
“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.”
Opposition Labour Leader Keir Starmer:
Keir Starmer, the leader of Britain’s opposition Labour Party, said he was deeply concerned about news from about the Elizabeth’s health.
“Along with the rest of the country, I am deeply worried by the news from Buckingham Palace this afternoon. My thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time, and I join everyone across the United Kingdom in hoping for her recovery,” he added.
Speaker of Parliament Lindsay Hoyle:
Lindsay Hoyle, speaker of the House of Commons, interrupted an energy debate in Parliament to say he sent his best wishes to the monarch.
“I know I speak on behalf of the entire House when I say we send all the best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen,” he said.
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon:
“All of us are feeling profoundly concerned at reports of Her Majesty’s health. My thoughts and wishes are with the Queen and all of the Royal Family at this time.”
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby:
“My prayers, and the prayers of people across the @churchofengland and the nation, are with Her Majesty The Queen today. May God’s presence strengthen and comfort Her Majesty, her family, and those who are caring for her at Balmoral.”
9:30 a.m.
The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral
LONDON — The Queen is under medical care at Balmoral Castle in Scotland amid growing worries about her health.
Buckingham Palace said her doctors are concerned for her health and recommended she remain under medical supervision after an evaluation on Thursday morning.
“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 Palace said in a statement.
“The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral,” they added.
The Queen’s four children – Princess Anne, Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward – are understood to be either at Balmoral or on their way to the castle. Her grandson, Prince William, has also arrived.
A spokesperson said Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, in Britain for a number of events, would also travel to Scotland.
Last October, Elizabeth spent a night in hospital and she has been forced to cut back on public engagements since then. On Wednesday, she cancelled a virtual meeting with senior ministers after being advised to rest by her doctors.
Queen Elizabeth welcomes Liz Truss during an audience where she invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative party to become Prime Minister and form a new government, at Balmoral Castle, Scotland on September 6.POOL/Reuters
On Tuesday, the Queen had been pictured appointing Liz Truss as the country’s new Prime Minister at Balmoral.