Susanna Reid paid a powerful tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in the opening moments of Good Morning Britain on Friday as the programme and the nation reflected on her death, remarking: "We knew that she couldn't be immortal and yet I think we all hoped she might be."
Just after 6.30pm, news came in that the longest serving monarch in British history had passed away at the age of 96. A statement from Buckingham Palace read: 'The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral and return to London in the morning."
All TV programmes on BBC and ITV were swiftly suspended, with both channels extending their evening news bulletins; the BBC having dedicated all its programming to The Queen since an announcement was made about concerns for health at lunchtime. In the hours that followed the confirmation of The Queen's passing, ITV confirmed major changes to its schedule going into Friday.
READ MORE: The Queen dies aged 96: Tributes pour in for much loved monarch
While This Morning was cancelled, as well as Lorraine and Loose Women, Good Morning Britain did go ahead from 6-9am, but, as predicted, was a much more sombre affair. Susanna and co-host Ben Shepherd both wore black and, paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth, Susanna said: "She had sparkling eyes, even at the beginning of the week. We knew this moment was coming and yet it is a shock. She had the longest reign of any monarch. She was the constant presence in all of our lives."
Susanna added: "She was dignified, dutiful, devoted to her family and to the Commonwealth. She gave a life of service. I reflected yesterday, we knew she couldn't be immortal and yet we hoped she would be. It is quite a moment."
READ NEXT:
*King Charles III release statement as his mother The Queen dies
*The national mourning plans in place following The Queen's death
*BBC and ITV make major schedule changes after The Queen's death
*Huw Edwards visibly moved as The Queen's death announced on BBC
