Australia has woken to the news that Queen Elizabeth II has passed away aged 96, with a simple message three hours ago. ‘The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon’.
Her son Charles, now King Charles III, released a statement two hours ago.
‘The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.
‘We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and much loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms in the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
‘During this period of morning 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.’
King Charles III
Charles, until now, was the Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay and was the oldest and the longest-serving heir apparent in British history. He was also the longest-serving Prince of Wales, having held the title from 26 July 1958 until his accession on 8 September.
He will now be known as King Charles III.
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