King Charles III releases poignant statement following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II

King Charles III has released a statement paying tribute to his mother, HM Queen Elizabeth II, who died today aged 96.

His Majesty described The Queen as ‘cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother’.

The former Prince of Wales has automatically become King at the age of 73 following the death of Queen Elizabeth, the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch.

His statement, shared by Buckingham Palace, said: “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 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.

“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.”

Queen Elizabeth died at Balmoral today, it was announced this evening.

Members of the Royal Family rushed to be with her after doctors said they were ‘concerned’ for her health.

A statement issued today confirmed the news, saying: “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.”

Prime Minister Liz Truss confirmed that Charles would take the title of King Charles III in a statement delivered on the steps of Downing Street.

Camilla will become Queen Consort.

Featured image: Wikimedia Commons