Highlights | ‘Incredible, extraordinary woman’: New Zealand PM remembers Queen

Queen Elizabeth II, who was Britain's longest-reigning monarch, passed away at the age of 96 at her remote, summer home - Balmoral Castle, in Scotland on Thursday afternoon (local time). “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,” the Royal Family tweeted....Read More
Before the news of demise came, the Buckingham Palace said that doctors were concerned for Her Majesty's health and recommended that she remained under medical supervision.
With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, her eldest son - Charles - acceded to the British throne immediately. At 73, he is the oldest to ever assume the throne. He has been an heir apparent since the age of three when his late mother was crowned the Queen. Besides the UK, King Charles III - as the new monarch will be known - has also become the head of state of all 14 nations of the Commonwealth, including Australia, New Zealand and Canada, among others.
Brazil's Christ the Redeemer lit up in British flag's colours to pay tribute to Queen
After Eiffel Tower in Paris, another wonder of the world pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. Brazil's giant statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooking the capital city of Rio de Janeiro was lit up in the red, blue and white colours of the United Kingdom's flag. Earlier, lights of Eiffel Tower were turned dark as the clock struck midnight in Paris to pay homage to the Queen.
‘Incredible, extraordinary woman’: New Zealand PM on late Queen
New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern has called the late Queen Elizabeth II an “incredible woman”. “Young or old, there is no doubt that a chapter is closing today, and with that we share our thanks for an incredible woman who we were lucky enough to call our Queen,” she said, adding the late monarch was “extraordinary”.
Queen Elizabeth II was the monarch of not just Great Britain but also 14 nations of the Commonwealth, which includes Australia and New Zealand. With Queen's eldest son Charles now becoming the new king, he has now taken over as the head of the state of the Commonwealth.
Australia suspends Parliament to pay homage to Queen Elizabeth II
Flags in both Australia and New Zealand are being lowered to pay homage to Queen Elizabeth II. The late British monarch was the head of state of both nations, which are part of commonwealth countries. Australia has suspended Parliament and is not likely to return for at least two weeks, while in its neighbouring nation, politicians are expected to assembly in the House next week to pay their tributes to the late Queen, Reuters reports.
Queen Elizabeth was one of the longest-serving monarchs since 17th century
The longest-reigning British monarch Queen Elizabeth II is also one of the longest-serving monarchs since 17th century among all nations that follow the system, AFP reports.
Banknotes with late Queen's image to remain legal tender: Bank of England
The Bank of England said on Thursday that its banknotes featuring the image of late Queen Elizabeth II will continue to remain legal tender. In a statement, the central bank said that a further announcement in the matter will be made once the period of national mourning has been observed, Reuters reported. The late Queen was the first monarch to feature on the banknotes of Bank of England.
Not just throne, new King Charles III inherits his late mother's private fortune too
Britain's new King Charles III not only inherits his late mother Queen Elizabeth II's throne after her demise, but also her private fortune, without having to pay inheritance tax, AFP reports. Read more.
King Charles III will address nation on Friday
Britain's new ruler King Charles III will address the nation on Friday, Reuters reported citing his spokesman. This will be his first public speech following the death of his mother, the longest-reigning monarch in British history - Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday at the age of 96.
Several sporting events cancelled after Queen Elizabeth II died
Many sporting events were cancelled on Thursday after the announcement of the demise of Queen Elizabeth II. These cancellations happened across cricket, gold and rugby, while several others paid tribute by conducting a minute's silence, foreign agencies reported.
At 73, King Charles is oldest person to ever assume the British throne
Britain's new King Charles will be called King Charles III, Royal officials confirmed on Thursday soon after his mother and the country's longest-reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II passed away aged 96. The new King, at the age of 73, is the oldest person to ever assume the throne, The Associated Press reported.
Lights of Paris Eiffel Tower turned off in homage to Queen
Paris Eiffel Tower has been turned off and will remain so throughout the night, Mayor Anne Hidalgo said in a statement on Twitter on Thursday, in homage to Queen Elizabeth II - the longest-serving UK monarch - who passed away aged 96. Read more.
Hundreds of people gather outside Buckingham Palace
Hundreds of people gather outside Buckingham Palace following the announcement of the demise of Britain's longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. She was aged 96. Her eldest son, Charles, immediately succeeded as the new King of Britian. In a statement, the King said that the demise of his “beloved mother” is a “moment of greatest sadness” for him and all members of the royal family.
‘Moment of greatest sadness’: New King Charles
A statement from Britain's new King Charles said that the demise of Queen Elizabeth II, his “beloved mother” is a “moment of greatest sadness” for him and all members of the Royal Family. “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother,” the statement issued by the Royal Family read. Read more.
‘Queen Elizabeth II leaves behind a great legacy’: UK PM Liz Truss
The newly elected UK PM Liz Truss paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday after the longest-reigning monarch breathed her last aged 96. She said the late Queen leaves behind a “great legacy” and also credited her for providing the country with “stability and strength” through thick and thin. Read more.
With Queen's death, her son Charles becomes Britain's new king immediately
With the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, her son, Prince Charles immediately succeeds her as the new king of Great Britain. Read more.
'The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral,' tweets Royal Family
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch, passes away at 96
Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96.
‘She represents the whole history of the Europe’: European Commission President
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during a press conference in the Netherlands on Thursday that her prayers were with Queen Elizabeth II.
“She represents the whole history of Europe that is our common home with our British friends.”
Princes Edward, Andrew, William, arrive at Balmoral: Report
Princes Edward, Andrew and William have arrived at the Balmoral Castle, a report by the BBC said.
Crowds gather outside Buckingham Palace as concerns mount over Queen's health
As many as 100 people, braving torrential rain, stood at the gates of the Buckingham Palace as concerns grew over the health of Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince Harry to travel to Balmoral alone: Report
The Duke of Sussex Prince Harry will travel to Balmoral alone, a report by the BBC said on Thursday. It was earlier reported that Prince Harry and his wife- Meghan, who is the Duchess of Sussex would travel to Scotland.
Thoughts of Canada with Her Majesty…: PM Justin Trudeau
“My thoughts, and the thoughts of Canadians across the country, are with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at this time. We’re wishing her well, and sending our best to the Royal Family," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted on Thursday.
UK PM has no plans to travel to Scotland
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Liz Truss has no current plans to travel to Scotland, her spokesperson told news agency Reuters on Thursday. The spokesperson declined to comment on Queen Elizabeth's current health condition.
Prince William arrives in Aberdeen
Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, has arrived in Aberdeen and it is expected that he will now travel to Balmoral Castle.
Plane carrying 7 members of Royal Family lands in Aberdeen: Report
A plane carrying seven members of the Royal Family landed in Aberdeen, BBC news reported on Thursday. The identities of the family members have not been revealed.
Wish Her Majesty swift and lasting recovery: Muslim Council of Britain
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty the Queen and the royal family at this time. We wish Her Majesty a swift and lasting recovery,” Zara Mohammed, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, tweeted on Thursday.
Ex-UK PM Tony Blair ‘deeply concerned’ over Queen's health
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair expressed concerns over Queen Elizabeth II's health.
Queen Elizabeth II dogged by health problems since last October
The 96-year-old monarch has been dogged by health problems since October 2021 that have left her struggling to walk and stand. On October 12 last year, Queen Elizabeth was seen using walking stick at Westminster Abbey service.
Changing of Guard called off at Buckingham Palace
The traditional ceremony of the Changing of the Guard, which was supposed to take place outside the Buckingham Palace on Friday morning, has been called off amid concerns over the Queen's health.
May the blessings of the Lord strengthen and comfort Queen, her family: Archbishop of Westminster
Prince Charles now with Queen, says report Elizabeth II: Report
Britain's Prince Charles is now with Queen Elizabeth II, BBC news reported on Thursday.
Duke & Duchess of Sussex to travel to Scotland
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex- Prince Harry and his wife Meghan- will be travelling to Scotland, a spokesperson for the couple said, according to reports on Thursday.
Prayers of nation with the Queen, tweets Church of England
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, expressed concerns over Queen Elizabeth II's health and said “My prayers, and the prayers of people across the Church of England 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,” the Archbishop tweeted.
Whole country will be deeply concerned by news from Buckingham Palace: UK PM Liz Truss
Newly appointed Prime Minister Liz Truss, who met the Queen just two days back after taking charge as PM, tweeted on Thursday, "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."
‘Thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty and the Royal Family’: Rishi Sunak
Queen placed under medical supervision
The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became concerned for her health, according to the Buckingham Palace.