Royal Standard raised above Buckingham Palace for the first time of the King’s reign
It comes after Charles III was appointed King following the death of the nation’s longest-reigning monarch, Elizabeth II.
King Charles III acceded to the throne immediately on the death of Elizabeth II, at the age of 96 in the sanctuary of Balmoral Castle.
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The Queen’s son and successor King Charles III spoke of his grief soon after Buckingham Palace announced the death of the 96-year-old monarch, who died “peacefully” on Thursday afternoon at Balmoral.
There were cheers from the crowds as the King’s state Bentley arrived at the gates of the Palace.
He stepped from the car to greet the hundreds of well-wishers gathered outside.
Charles shook hands with countless members of the public lined up behind a barrier, thanking them for their good wishes.
Cheers rang out at Buckingham Palace as the King and Queen arrived, along with shouts of “God save the King”.
Queen Elizabeth: Updates as Buckingham Palace announces the death of the Queen
Downing Street said it is not aware of any changes to business in the House of Commons on Friday.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said this would be a matter for the Speaker.
Asked if the plan is still to go ahead with the business of the House on Friday, he said: “That’s a decision for the Speaker, fundamentally, but I’m not aware of any change.”
There are no plans for the Prime Minister to travel to Scotland on Thursday or Friday, Downing Street said.
A crowd has gathered outside Buckingham Palace beneath dark clouds as news spreads that the Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral.
More than 100 umbrella-clad observers have congregated on the stone steps up to The Queen Victoria Memorial, opposite the royal residence, and dozens more are standing beside the gates.
Despite the size of the crowd, the atmosphere is relatively quiet and many are peering through the bars of the main gates.
Storm clouds are looming overhead, with a smattering of rain over central London.
It is understood the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are on their way to Balmoral separately from other royals, but have been in co-ordination with other family members’ plans.
An armed police officer stands at the gates to Balmoral in Scotland, where the Queen is under medical supervision with the royal family rushing to be by her side amid serious health fears.
BREAKING: The Duchess of Sussex is not travelling to Balmoral with the Duke of Sussex, with Harry making the trip by himself, sources have said.
It is understood Meghan will remain in London, but will not attend the WellChild awards.
The duchess could potentially join Harry in Scotland at a later date, the source said, following the change of plan.
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- The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral – with the royal family rushing to be by her side amid serious health fears for the nation’s longest-reigning monarch.
- Buckingham Palace issued a statement at 12.32pm on Thursday, saying doctors are concerned for the Queen’s health.
- The Queen’s four children – Charles, the Princess Royal, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex – are either at her bedside or on their way, joined by the Duchess of Cornwall and the Countess of Wessex.
A fleet of cars believed to be carrying the Duke of Cambridge, Duke of York and the Earl and Countess of Wessex arrived at Balmoral just after 5pm.
The plane carrying the royal party had arrived at Aberdeen Airport just before 4pm.
