Prime Minister Liz Truss has paid tribute to “the rock on which modern Britain was built” after the Queen dies aged 96.
Speaking outside No.10 following the news, Ms Truss said: “We are all devastated by the news that we have just heard from Balmoral, the death of Her Majesty The Queen is a huge shock to the nation and to the world.
“Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built."
She added: “It’s an extraordinary achievement to have presided with such dignity and grace for 70 years. Her life of service stretched beyond most of our living memories.
“In return she was loved and admired by the people in the United Kingdom and all around the world.
“She has been a personal inspiration to me and to many Britons – her devotion to duty is an example to us all.”
Ms Truss travelled to Balmoral on Tuesday to meet the Queen after being announced as the next Prime Minister.
She continued in her speech on Thursday: “Earlier this week at 96, she remained determined to carry out her duties as she appointed me as her 15th Prime Minister.
“Throughout her life she’s visited more than 100 countries and she’s touched the lives of millions around the world.
“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.
“It is a day of great loss but Queen Elizabeth II leaves a great legacy.”
The PM referred to Charles, the new King, as King Charles III, saying: “Today the Crown passes, as it has done for more than a thousand years, to our new monarch, our new head of state, his majesty King Charles III.”
She said it was “the passing of the second Elizabethan age” and concluded her address by saying “God save the King”.
Liz Truss
GB News
The Queen has died aged 96
Kirsty O'Connor