Prince William paid an emotional tribute to the Queen, calling her a “fantastic leader”. In a statement, Prince William said he had lost his “grandmother”, saying she was “by my side in my happiest moments”. “On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader whose commitment to country, kingdoms and the Commonwealth was absolute,” the prince said in a statement. “So much will be said in the coming days about the meaning of her historic reign. “I, however, lost a grandmother. And while I will mourn her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I had the benefit of the Queen’s wisdom and assurance in my fifth decade.’

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King Charles also spoke of his mother’s “selfless service” during the official Accession Council meeting, adding: “My mother’s reign was unparalleled in length, dedication and devotion. Even when we mourn, we give thanks for this most faithful life.” This comes as the Queen’s funeral will be held on Monday September 19 at 11am. at Westminster Abbey, as announced. Her late Majesty’s coffin, which lies in the ballroom at Balmoral Castle, will be taken by road to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on Sunday, September 11, in a six-hour journey by hearse. It will remain at Westminster Hall for four days, starting on Wednesday.

HM Queen Elizabeth II A Nation Mourns
Nation mourns death of Queen Elizabeth II
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Nation mourns death of Queen Elizabeth II
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Nation mourns death of Queen Elizabeth II
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A person reacts near floral tributes laid at Buckingham Palace, following the death of Queen Elizabeth, in London
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A person holds a floral tribute in front of Buckingham Palace following the death of Queen Elizabeth
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A woman lays flowers at Buckingham Palace after the death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth
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People embrace as they gather to pay their respects outside Buckingham Palace in London on September 9, 2022, a day after Queen Elizabeth II died aged 96.
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A policeman reacts as he stands guard outside Buckingham Palace,
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A person reacts near Buckingham Palace, following the death of Queen Elizabeth
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A mourner lays flowers outside Buckingham Palace in London
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A person reacts as they lay flowers in front of Buckingham Palace
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A man stands next to flowers and dedicates Queen Elizabeth II outside Buckingham Palace
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18-month-old George Tate from London is shown flowers and tributes by his mother as they visit Buckingham Palace on September 9
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A person reacts near floral tributes laid at Buckingham Palace, following the death of Queen Elizabeth, in London
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A person reacts near floral tributes laid at Buckingham Palace, following the death of Queen Elizabeth, in London
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Mourning at the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace in central London, following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
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Mourners gather outside Buckingham Palace in central London after the death of Queen Elizabeth II was announced
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People gather outside Buckingham Palace after the announcement of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
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Floral tributes to the Queen at Buckingham Palace this morning.
Jeremy Selwyn
Floral tributes to the Queen at Buckingham Palace this morning.
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Floral tributes to the Queen at Buckingham Palace this morning.
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Crowds gather outside Buckingham Palace to pay their respects following the death of Queen Elizabeth II today at Balmoral, September 8, 2022
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A notice announcing the death of Queen Elizabeth II is placed on the railings outside Buckingham Palace in central London, central London on September 8, 2022
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Crowds gather outside Buckingham Palace following the death of Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral today
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Crowds gather at the Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace following the death of Queen Elizabeth II today at Balmoral on September 8, 2022 in London, England. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in Bruton Street, Mayfair, London on 21 April 1926. She married Prince Philip in 1947 and ascended the throne of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth on 6 February 1952 after the death of her father, King George VI.Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, leaving behind four children, Charles, Prince of Wales, Anne, Princess Royal, Andrew, Duke of York and Edward, Duke of Wessex. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
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Crowds gather outside Buckingham Palace following the death of Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral today
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Members of the public leave flowers outside Windsor Castle
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Tributes are held outside Windsor Castle
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A young girl lays a floral tribute at the main gate of Sandringham on September 8, 2022 in Sandringham
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Members of the public leave flowers outside Windsor Castle on September 8, 2022 in Windsor,
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Mourners gather outside Windsor Castle on September 8, 2022 in Windsor
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Mourners gather outside Windsor Castle on September 8, 2022 in Windsor
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Members of the public lay flowers at Hillsborough Castle, where Her Majesty the Queen resides during her visit to the province following news that she died this evening on September 8, 202
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Members of the public lay flowers at Hillsborough Castle, home to Her Majesty the Queen’s residence during her visit to the province following the news that she had died this evening on September 8
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Mourners gather to lay flowers outside Windsor Castle in Berkshire after the death of Queen Elizabeth II was announced.
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London black cabs on The Mall heading to Buckingham Palace to pay silent tribute to Queen Elizabeth II Getty Images People gather outside Buckingham Palace in London, Friday, September 9, 2022, following the announcement of the death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II AP Mourners gather as flowers are left under the statue of Queen Victoria outside Windsor Castle PA A bus stop on Tottenham Court Road displays an image of Queen Elizabeth II on 08 September 2022 Getty Images Advertising screens at Piccadilly Circus show an image of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022 in London Getty Images

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Truss to join King Charles in ‘services of reflection’ across the UK

Liz Truss will join the King as she leads “reflection services” across the UK, Downing Street said. The prime minister’s official spokesman said she will travel with the king to Scotland on Monday, followed by visits to Northern Ireland on Tuesday and Wales on Friday. “The Prime Minister believes it is important that he is present at an important time of national mourning across the UK,” the spokesman said. 1662835200

Princess of Wales ‘puffed’ as she talks to children at Windsor Castle

Banita Ranow, 28, in the crowd on the Long Walk outside Windsor Castle, said she heard Kate telling children next to her what her youngest son Louis had said about the Queen’s death. He said Kate told the children: “Louis said at least grandma is with great-grandpa now.” Ms Runow said Kate “came alive” as she spoke to the children. The well-wisher from west London also spoke of her surprise to see the two brothers and their wives together, adding: “It was really nice.” 1662834243

Macron: France’s condolences to the UK

French President Emmanuel Macron sent new condolences to Prime Minister Liz Truss on behalf of his country. He said: “Today, on such a special day, I expressed our condolences to the new UK Prime Minister. “The ties between our nations are historic. We will strengthen them. “Our support to Ukraine, as well as food and energy security, will be among our joint priorities.” 1662833466

King Charles and Camilla greet well-wishers on The Mall

King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla greeted well-wishers in Stable Yard, outside The Mall. There were cheers and applause as they shook hands and received bouquets of flowers from people who had been waiting for hours. There were shouts of “God save the King” along with a chorus of the national anthem. One of those waiting to see the royals was Alex Dellipiani, who is celebrating her 16th birthday. Meet Queen Camilla. Alex said: “He asked her, ‘how old are you?’ I said ’16’ and she said ‘You’re very lucky.’ “We’ve been standing here for so long and it’s been amazing.” King Charles meets well-wishers as he returns to Clarence House from Buckingham Palace / REUTERS1662831754

Lib Dems cancel conference over Queen

The Lib Dems canceled their party’s autumn conference and postponed major debates until the spring after the Queen’s death. Nick da Costa, who chairs the party’s federal conference committee, said the Lib Dems “want and must show our respect for the Queen and the period of national mourning”. The conference in Brighton was due to start on September 17th and run until September 20th. The Queen’s funeral will take place on September 19. Mr da Costa, in an emailed update, said: “The sad news of the last few days has touched our nation deeply. And now we know that the Queen’s funeral will take place on the Monday of our conference. “After very careful consideration – and getting input from as many people as we can – the conference committee and federal board have unfortunately decided together to cancel our fall conference and postpone the big debates until the spring.” 1662831119

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