King Charles is paying tribute to his “precious” mother, Elizabeth II, as Britain mourns the death of its longest-serving monarch. Liz Truss, Sir Keir Starmer and Boris Johnson were among world leaders and politicians to issue heartfelt responses following the Queen’s death on Thursday aged 96. Ms Truss, who became prime minister after an audience with the monarch on Tuesday, called her “the rock on which modern Britain was built”. The Queen reigned for almost seven decades between 1952 and 2022, overseeing huge political and cultural changes in national life, from the end of the colonial era to Brexit. Her son automatically succeeds her as King Charles III, taking her place in ruling the United Kingdom and more than a dozen Commonwealth countries, a role she has spent a lifetime preparing for. He will travel from Balmoral, where his mother died, to London on Friday before officially taking the throne on Saturday. US President Joe Biden traveled to sign a book of condolences at the British High Commission in Washington, DC, describing the Queen as “a stateswoman of unparalleled dignity and stability” who “helped make our relationship special”.

Basic points

Show latest update 1662703478

Watch: Buckingham Palace after Queen Elizabeth II’s death

The Independent is live from Buckingham Palace following the death of Queen Elizabeth II Arpan Rai9 September 2022 07:04 1662702904

Putin writes to King Charles, expresses ‘sincere sympathy’ over Queen’s death

Vladimir Putin has reached out to King Charles III and paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, offering “sincere sympathy” to Britain following her death. The Russian president cabled the monarch on Thursday amid tensions over the war in Ukraine. He wrote: “The most important events in the recent history of the United Kingdom are inextricably linked with Her Majesty’s name. For many decades, Elizabeth II rightfully enjoyed the love and respect of her subjects, as well as power on the world stage. “I wish you courage and perseverance in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss. I ask you to convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the members of the Royal Family and to all the people of Great Britain.” Read the full story here:

Putin writes to King Charles offering ‘sincere sympathy’ after Queen’s death

“I wish you courage and perseverance in the face of this heavy, irreparable loss,” the Russian president said Arpan Rai9 September 2022 06:55 1662702315

The story behind the portrait heralded the death of Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday (8 September) and the royal family’s announcement of her death was accompanied by a black and white photo. Her death was confirmed on the royal family’s official social media accounts with a portrait taken by Jane Bone to mark Queen Elizabeth’s 80th birthday more than 15 years ago. Brown requested the opportunity to photograph the Queen on her 80th birthday in 2006, sitting in the Blue Drawing Room. The palace chose the most formal head portrait for its collection which made him a CBE in 1995. Read the full story here:

The story behind the portrait heralded the death of Queen Elizabeth

The black and white portrait was taken 15 years ago to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Arpan Rai9 September 2022 06:45 1662701574

British Army Marks Queen’s Death: ‘I’ve Lost Commander-in-Chief’

The British military has mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth II and said that with her death, the nation has lost its sovereign. “It is with deep sadness that the army marks the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. The nation has lost its sovereignty. The army has lost its commander-in-chief. The Royal Family has lost a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother,” said General Sir Patrick Sanders. The chief of the general staff added: “Her Majesty was the epitome of duty, selfless commitment and loyalty. Her service inspired generations of soldiers.” The Queen will be remembered by all ranks of the British military with the deepest affection, he added. Arpan Rai9 September 2022 06:32 1662700666

Royal Air Force mourns Queen’s death and remembers ‘long and glorious reign’

The Royal Air Force mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth II and remembered her long and glorious reign in a statement issued last night. “It is with overwhelming sadness that the Royal Air Force and Royal Air Auxiliary mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. During her long and glorious reign, she was the embodiment of a life dedicated to the service of Nation and Commonwealth, and for that she has been admired by millions around the world,” the air and space force said in a statement shared with the chief of ACM staff Sir Mike Wigston. He added: “Her Majesty, as Chief of the Armed Forces, has been a constant source of inspiration and a pillar of strength to all who have been privileged to serve her.” “Those who had the honor of meeting Her Majesty will never forget their interaction and the deep sense of pride they felt at that moment,” the Royal Air Force said. Arpan Rai9 September 2022 06:17 1662698380

Royal Family website updated to list Charles as King and Camilla as Queen Consort

The royal family’s official website was updated to list Charles as the new king and his wife Camilla, the queen consort, hours after Buckingham Palace announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Charles, the Queen’s eldest son and formerly known as the Prince of Wales, immediately succeeded his mother as the nation’s monarch after his mother’s death. He is likely to be formally named King at an accession council on Saturday at St James’s Palace in London. However, the website already lists Charles as king, with his wife Camilla officially listed as queen consort. Read the full story here:

Royal Family website updated to list Charles as King and Camilla as Queen Consort

Charles is expected to be formally crowned King at an accession council on Saturday Arpan Rai9 September 2022 05:39 1662697865

Xi Jinping sends condolences on queen’s death – state media

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed “sincere sympathy” to Britain’s King Charles III following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, state media reported today. “Xi Jinping, representing the Chinese government and the Chinese people, and on their behalf, expresses his deepest condolences,” a statement from Beijing said, adding: “Her death is a great loss for the British people.” Arpan Rai September 9, 2022 05:31 1662696963

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pays tribute: ‘Great loss for the international community’

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the loss of Queen Elizabeth II is not only a loss for Britain but also for the international community, as he tweeted on Friday morning to express his condolences. “On the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I offer my deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the government and the people of the United Kingdom,” Mr Kishida said. He added: “The loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a great loss not only to the British people but also to the international community. Japan’s thoughts are with the United Kingdom as the British people overcome this profound sadness.” Arpan Rai9 September 2022 05:16 1662696196

Elton John pays tribute to Queen: ‘I’m glad she’s at peace’

Legendary singer Sir Elton John paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday night as he performed his final concert in Toronto, saying he was inspired by her and saddened she was gone. “He led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace and decency and genuine care,” Sir Elton said. The singer-songwriter said: “I’m 75 and she’s been with me all my life and I’m so sad that she’s not going to be with me anymore, but I’m glad she’s at peace. “I’m glad he’s resting and he deserves it. He worked hard,” said Sir Elton, who was knighted by the Queen in 1998, a year after the death of his friend Princess Diana. Prince Charles also made the musician and charity patron a Companion of the Order last year. He went on to perform his 1974 track “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”. Arpan Rai9 September 2022 05:03 1662695358

Brazil declares three days of mourning to honor Queen Elizabeth II

Brazil’s government declared three days of mourning on Thursday following the queen’s death. “Official mourning is declared throughout the country, for a period of three days, commencing on the date of publication of this decree, as a mark of sorrow for the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” the decree states. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro shared a statement remembering the queen and her “model of leadership, humility and love for the nation.” “When life seems hard, the brave do not lie down and accept defeat. On the contrary, they are increasingly determined to fight for a better future,” he said. “With these noble words, Elizabeth II showed why she was not just the Queen of the British people, but a Queen for us all.” Announcing that he had signed a decree of official mourning, Mr Bolsonaro said: “It is with great sadness and emotion that Brazil has received the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, an extraordinary and unique woman, whose model of leadership, humility and her love of nation will remain an inspiration to us all until the end of time.” Arpan Rai9 September 2022 04:49