Charles Becomes King, Issues Statement Mourning Loss of Queen

Queen Elizabeth II’s son and the new king of the United Kingdom, Charles, released a statement mourning his mother’s death on Thursday.

Charles was immediately referred to as king by Buckingham Palace, which announced Elizabeth’s death on Thursday evening local time. Camila, his wife, was referred to as queen consort.

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,” he added.

“During this period of mourning 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 said.

The palace said the queen “died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” adding the “King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

Charles will be officially proclaimed king in the near future. The event takes place at St James’s Palace in London in front of a ceremonial body called the Accession Council.

“In the difficult days ahead, we will come together with our friends across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world, to celebrate her extraordinary lifetime of service,” Truss said in a statement. “It is a day of great loss, but Queen Elizabeth II leaves a great legacy.”

After Elizabeth’s death, a number of world leaders offered their condolences.

“We mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She was a role model and inspiration for millions, also here in Germany. Her commitment to German-British reconciliation after the horrors of World War II will remain unforgotten. She will be missed, not least her wonderful humor,” said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Added French President Emmanuel Macron, “I remember her as a friend of France, a kind-hearted queen who has left a lasting impression on her country and her century.”