King Charles III issues statement on the Queen’s death

The Queen's eldest son has released a statement following the news of her passing in Balmoral on 8 September.

Charles, who has been named by Prime Minister Liz Truss as King Charles III after the passing of Her Majesty, released a statement following the official announcement of the Queen's death by Buckingham Palace.

"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," he wrote.

Charles continued: "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 and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

"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."

The royal family confirmed the death of the Queen with an official statement posted on the gates of Buckingham Palace and on the family's official website this evening, which read: "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."

King Charles III is one of numerous family members mourning the Queen's death this evening, with many of her children and grandchildren travelling to Scotland to be by her side after doctors expressed concerns for her health earlier today.

Her Majesty was assured to be 'comfortable and resting' in Balmoral earlier today, a couple of days after she was seen smiling as she greeted the new prime minister, Liz Truss.

Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne on 6 February, 1952 and continued her reign well into her 90s. She was 96 at her time of death, having earned the achievement of being the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee.

The royal family gathered in London to enjoy Platinum Jubilee celebrations earlier this year, with Her Majesty saying at the time she was 'humbled and deeply touched' as she celebrated the milestone.

“When it comes to how to mark 70 years as your Queen, there is no guidebook to follow. It really is a first. But I have been humbled and deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum Jubilee," she said at the time.