Tributes from across the sporting world have been pouring in following the news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has passed away.
A statement released by the Royal Family on Thursday night 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.”
After 70 years on the throne, Britain’s longest-serving monarch passed away at her Scottish estate. Her eldest son and heir Prince Charles is now King.
The UK is now in a period of official mourning with her funeral due to take place within a fortnight. Now tributes to the Queen are beginning to flood in from around the world, including major sporting personalities from both in the United Kingdom and beyond.
Former England striker and BBC Match of the Day host said: “Such a terribly sad day. Her Majesty The Queen has died. A truly remarkable woman who served her country with dignity, loyalty and grace. A comforting ever present in the lives of most of us. Rest In Peace, Your Majesty.”
Michael Owen posted on social media: “RIP to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Thank you Ma'am for your lifetime of service and dedication.” And his BT Sport colleague Rio Ferdinand, added: "My thoughts and condolences are with the members of the Royal Family. Rest In Peace Your Majesty."
Her Majesty was present on the most famous day in the history of the England men's football team, when she handed the Jules Rimet trophy to Bobby Moore at Wembley in 1966: "It is with profound sadness that we received the news that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has passed away.
"Her Majesty the Queen will be forever linked with some of our most memorable moments – including presenting the Jules Rimet Trophy to our 1966 World Cup winning side," the England Football Twitter account posted.
Current England international Mason Mount said: “Thank you for your service. Rest in peace Your Majesty.” While his teammate Raheem Sterling reflected: "My deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this incredibly sad time."
Pele, the player regarded as the greatest in history has take to Twitter : "I have been a great admirer of Queen Elizabeth II since the first time I saw her in person, in 1968, when she came to Brazil to witness our love for football and experienced the magic of a packed Maracanã. Her deeds have marked generations. This legacy will last forever."
There has yet to be official confirmation as to whether Premier League and EFL matches will go ahead this weekend, although it is expected they will be postponed.
The Premier League’s instant response reads: “The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II. Our thoughts and condolences are with The Royal Family and everyone around the world mourning the loss of Her Majesty.”
Games across Europe were either underway or about to begin when the news was announced, with Roma manager Jose Mourinho speaking after his side's game. The Portuguese had three spells in English football with Chelsea and Manchester United. “That’s very sad. I am not a ‘foreigner’ in Britain, it is my home, my family, we’ve lived there for many years. She was a wonderful figure. I don’t know anyone who didn’t have respect for her.”
Former Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil said: "Very sad news from my former home country My condolences to the family. Rest in peace."
“Horse racing has lost its greatest supporter. Thank you your Majesty,” ITV Racing’s chief presenter Ed Chamberlain added.
Olympic silver medallist and former boxing world champion, Amir Khan said: “A very sad day for us all. Our Queen Elizabeth has sadly passed away.” While rival promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn both sent their own personal messages.
“Such sad news that our respected Queen Elizabeth has passed away,” Warren posted. “The Queen was a constant and a loyal servant to our Nation and people. Sincere condolences to The Royal Family. God bless her and may she rest in peace.” Hearn posted: “Rest in peace Your Majesty... "Thank you for everything.”
The two are attempting to negotiate a super fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, who again, have both taken to social media: Thoughts & prayers with my Queen tonight, may God be with you.," Fury said. "Rest In Peace," Joshua added.
President of Formula One team Mercedes, Toto Wolff penned his own statement: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, an inspiring figure who dedicated her life to public service with integrity and quiet leadership for seventy years.
“The impact she made in the UK and around the world will be felt for generations to come and the values she stood for are the best of all human values: dignity, respect and compassion. We send our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the UK and the Commonwealth.”
England men’s cricket side are in the midst of their third test with South Africa, with bosses confirming the second day of play at the Oval will be postponed: “The England and Wales Cricket Board is deeply saddened at the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The thoughts of everyone involved in the game are with the whole Royal Family," before adding. "Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Friday's play between England and South Africa Men at The Oval, along with all scheduled matches in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, will not take place."
You can leave your tributes to Queen Elizabeth II here
