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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, her son, Prince Charles immediately succeeds her as the new king of Great Britain. Read more.

Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96. 

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 and William have arrived at the Balmoral Castle, a report by the BBC said. 

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. 

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. 

“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. 

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, the Duke of Cambridge, has arrived in Aberdeen and it is expected that he will now travel to Balmoral Castle.

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. 

“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.