Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Connie Rusk

From Australia to France - how TV presenters across the world broke the Queen's death

This is the moment TV presenters from across the world announced Queen Elizabeth II's death live on air.

From Italy to America, Her Majesty's passing rocked the globe with channels pulling their scheduled programmes to deliver the breaking news.

In a statement released by Buckingham Palace at around 6.30pm on Thursday evening, it was announced the Queen had passed away earlier in the afternoon at her residence in Balmoral castle, Scotland with senior members of the Royal Family rushing to be at her bedside.

Australia

Australia had to scramble to break the story which happened for them in the early hours (Sunrise Australia 7NEWS)

Australia had to scramble to break the sombre statement which happened, for them, in the early hours of Friday morning.

Both teams of news desks broke the news at 4.30am in Oz, with ABC interrupting the usual music programme Rage to make the announcement.

An emotional Koch informed viewers of the sad news, saying: "Hello, Australia. You are waking up to the sad news the Queen has died overnight. It's the day we knew was inevitable, but hoped would never come."

The channel then showed footage of the huge crowds that were gathering outside of Buckingham Palace as mourners lay flowers outside the gates in the pouring rain.

On the Today Show, Stefanovic shared a story of the last time he met the Queen when she visited Australia 11 years ago.

France

"It's a page in the history of the United Kingdom", said France's news bulletin (France24)

Meanwhile over in Paris, the breaking news bulletin was read out: "It's eight o'clock here in Paris. London is one hour behind.

"It's a page in the history of the United Kingdom, of the Commonwealth, the world.

"Queen Elizabeth has died at the age of 96. Her reign lasting 70 years."

Italy

Sky Italy announced the news by sharing scenes at Buckingham Palace (Sky TG24 Italy)

On Sky Italy, the news anchor abruptly interrupted a report to deliver the news.

"We will now close this report, and move immediately to London with images of Buckingham Palace. Let's see if we can show it to you live," they said.

"Let's see, if I'm not mistaken, the flag is at half-mast. Queen Elizabeth II has died."

America

Over on Fox News, the anchor was in the middle of an interview when it broke (Fox News US)

Over on Fox News, the anchor was in the middle of an interview about a murder when the news came in.

The host said: "We have to pause for a moment here, stay with us. We have got some breaking news. Over to Sandra."

Sandra Smith made an awkward gaffe through nerves as she announced: "The King.. The Queen has passed away."

She continued: "The Queen died peacefully the royal family says at Balmoral this afternoon."

Germany

Susanne Daubner in Germany said: "Good evening ladies and gentleman. Queen Elizabeth is dead. Buckingham Palace in London made the announcement.

"The British monarch has died at the age of 96 at her summer residence at Balmoral castle in Scotland. Her closest family members were with her.

"The Queen only recently celebrated her 70th Jubilee. Her reign is, therefore, one of the longest in history."

Anchor Susanne Daubner in Germany said: "Good evening ladies and gentleman. Queen Elizabeth is dead" (ARD Germany)

The UK

The BBC's Huw Edwards was the one to announce the Queen's passing.

Clearly emotional, the news presenter had to hold in tears as he paid tribute to the monarch for her long reign. He discussed the news with Nicholas Witchell, the BBC's royal correspondent.

The BBC News report were then shown on the screen, before it went black. There was a moment of silence as Huw began his tribute to the Queen, supported by Nicholas, as they spoke about the Queen's lasting legacy.

Today Australia wore black in tribute to the Queen (Today Australia on Nine)

ITV 's Mary Nightingale - joined by Chris Ship, the royal editor for ITV News - led a tribute to the Queen for her long reign of 70 years. "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," Nightingale sombrely began the address earlier this evening following Buckingham Palace's official statement, before adding: "So lets take a moment to reflect on that news."

The screen then turned black as the National Anthem was played and an image of the late Queen adorned the screen for a moment of reflection in order for viewers to take in the sad news.

Piers Morgan led the tributes on TalkTV, where Vanessa Feltz had broken the news moments before. In tears, she was visibly shaking as she read a sombre statement from a piece of paper she held in front of her.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.