Queen Elizabeth II has died
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The Queen has died aged 96, Buckingham Palace announces
The Queen has died at the age of 96, Buckingham Palace has announced.
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Speculation over the health of Queen Elizabeth II grew intense Thursday morning in Vancouver after federal cabinet ministers repeatedly delayed a planned press conference.
Canada’s prime minister, Justin Trudeau, was slated to announce a package of measures aimed at affordability- dental care for low income families, tax rebates and rental assistance but the event was delayed indefinitely
Journalists covering the event reported seeing cabinet ministers and a senior aide wearing black or dark clothing.
Like other world leaders, Trudeau had previously sent out a tweet of condolence to the ailing monarch.
“My thoughts, and the thoughts of Canadians across the country, are with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at this time. We’re wishing her well, and sending our best to the Royal Family,” he wrote.
Trudeau had planned to be announcing an affordability package (dentalcare, rental, GST rebates) a half hour ago but it’s not clear when or if that’s still happening. A rather tense atmosphere at the cabinet retreat in Vancouver right now, officials scuttling in and out of rooms.
— Brian Platt (@btaplatt) September 8, 2022
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U.S president Joe Biden told Liz Truss he was “keeping the Queen and her family in their thoughts”, the White House said.
The president and the prime minister were taking part in a video conference about the war in Ukraine.
“President Biden also conveyed to Prime Minister Truss that he was following reports about Queen Elizabeth’s health and that he and the First Lady are keeping the Queen and her family in their thoughts,” a White House statement said.
The fact that the Queen’s children and grandsons, William and Harry, have rushed to Scotland to be at her bedside indicates how serious their concerns are for the health of the 96-year-old monarch.
While she rests and is said to be “comfortable” and under medical supervision at Balmoral, which has long been one of her favourite places, plans have been long in the making for any eventuality. That, naturally, will have included the worst-case scenario.
The logistics of Operation London Bridge, the formal plans drawn up to deal with the death of the head of state, provide for this eventuality.
Code-named Operation Unicorn, the plans in Scotland leaked some time ago indicate that should the Queen pass away at Balmoral, it is likely her coffin will temporarily rest at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, having been taken there by road from Balmoral two days after her death.
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Windsor Castle has been the Queen’s main residence since 2011 and attracts a stream of visitors throughout the year.
The Duchess of Cambridge, who recently moved to Windsor with Prince William, has remained in the town while William visits the Queen at Balmoral.
Kate was photographed driving a car out of the castle’s grounds on Thursday afternoon. It is the first day of a new school for Princes George and Louis, aged nine and four respectively, and Princess Charlotte, who is seven years old.
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As ITV’s Chris Ship reports, there has been no update on the Queen’s health for about five hours:
This statement on the health of the Queen is now nearly 5 hours old, but it’s the last update we have had from Buckingham Palace. pic.twitter.com/aAVsHB4VyJ
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) September 8, 2022
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More on BBC coverage from Mark Sweney and Jim Waterson:
The BBC has suspended programming on its main channel to move to blanket news coverage as concerns grow about the Queen’s medical condition.
BBC One, the most popular channel in the UK, interrupted Bargain Hunt just after 12.30pm to deliver a statement from Buckingham Palace that said doctors were “concerned” for her health.
The 96-year-old, who broke with tradition to remain at her summer home of Balmoral to greet the new prime minister, Liz Truss, earlier this week, has been suffering from “episodic mobility problems” since last year.
BBC One has switched to a BBC News Special until at least 6pm, when the corporation’s evening news programme airs, which is being led by the presenter Huw Edwards. Edwards is dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and black tie – in line with the corporation’s on-air dress code when a royal family member dies as a mark of respect.
BBC insiders say there is some relief that the news has broken during daytime with the veterans Edwards and Nicholas Witchell, the corporation’s royal correspondent since 1998, available to lead the coverage.
Yalda Hakim, host of the international news programme Impact on BBC World News, tweeted an apology after posting an announcement had been made that the Queen had died.
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Outside Buckingham Palace, the crowd has swelled to several hundred, reports the Press Association, despite driving rain.
Meanwhile, at Balmoral, journalists continue to gather.
More wellwishes coming in for the Queen from around the world …
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the secretary-general, António Guterres’
thoughts are with the Queen, her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this time.
The EU commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said:
My thoughts and prayers are with her. She represents the whole history of the Europe that is our common home with our British friends, she has always given us stability and confidence, she has shown an immense amount of courage, and is a legend in my eyes.
US Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, said:
The Queen is an exemplar of steady leadership and a beloved figure around the world. She has been a historic friend of the United States. The decades of her reign have seen a profound deepening of the special relationship between our two countries that has literally changed the world. The Queen, the royal family, and all our friends in the United Kingdom have our thoughts and our prayers.
Australia’s governor-general, David Hurley, said:
Following news from Buckingham Palace, and on behalf of all Australians, the governor-general and Mrs Hurley’s thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty the Queen and the royal family at this time.
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The Queen’s health has been monitored intensively throughout her reign, but no more so than in recent years as she has aged and experienced periods of being unwell.
The royal household has its own team of medics, who are on call 24 hours a day. They are led by Prof Sir Huw Thomas, head of the medical household and physician to the Queen – a title dating back to 1557.
Thomas has been part of the team of royal physicians for 16 years and became the Queen’s personal physician in 2014.
The role is not full-time and does not have fixed hours or sessions but Thomas is available whenever he is needed.
Thomas received a knighthood in the 2021 new year honours, and was made Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) – a personal gift of the monarch. At the time of the honour, in an interview with Imperial College London, he said it had been a “busy couple of years in this role,” adding that he felt “very grateful to have been recognised for my service to date”.
While BBC One has suspended its regular schedule (see also 14:59), ITV News is broadcasting a special news programme from 5pm. It plans to air continuous news coverage until 7.30pm.
US president Joe Biden sends thoughts to the Queen
The White House has said that Joe Biden has been briefed about the Queen’s deteriorating health and that the US president and first lady, Jill Biden, are sending thoughts to her and her family.
“His and the first lady’s thoughts are solidly and squarely with the queen today and her family,” White House spokesperson John Kirby told Reuters.
People have started laying flowers at the gates of Buckingham Palace. The first bouquet was laid just after 5pm, reports the Press Association.
Car driven by Duke of Cambridge arrives at Balmoral
Outside the gates of Balmoral estate beneath dark clouds, a handful of members of the public huddle under umbrellas in the lashing rain as representatives of national and international media gather in the gloomy late afternoon.
Vehicles carrying the Queen’s sons, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, have just driven through the gates after a flight from RAF Northolt to Aberdeen airport. The car with the Queen’s sons was driven by Prince William.
BREAKING: Royal #cortege arrives at #Balmoral, after flight from #RAFNortholt pic.twitter.com/tkcrr9EbRi
— Severin Carrell (@severincarrell) September 8, 2022
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Beneath stormy skies, tourists visiting Windsor Castle on Thursday afternoon said they were shocked and deeply concerned at reports there has been a deterioration in the Queen’s health.
Sharon Carter, a salesperson at M&S, had travelled from Portsmouth with her husband, James, to visit the royal town and castle, and stopped to ask why there was a group of about forty TV journalists standing outside the gates.
Told of the head of state’s condition, she said: “It is so sad and sudden. She looked quite well when she was photographed a few days ago with Liz Truss.
“She is so well respected and has always been there for the country. The thought of her not being there is difficult. It is a sad day for the country and the monarchy,” she said.
Hardeep Bains, a 45 year old IT consultant from Slough, said news of the Queen’s frailty will be of concern for the entire country, even those who do not support the monarchy.
“I was listening to the radio today, and they were saying that no one other than people who are in their 70s can remember there being another monarch other than the Queen. That is incredible.
“Whatever you think of the other royals, she has been solid. I hope she pulls through,” he said.
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Jane Hartley, the US ambassador to the UK, said:
I join the people of the United Kingdom, the United States, and across the world in sending our thoughts and prayers to Her Majesty the Queen and her family.
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Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, has paid tribute to the Queen on behalf of himself and “Canadians across the country”.
He tweeted:
My thoughts, and the thoughts of Canadians across the country, are with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at this time. We’re wishing her well, and sending our best to the Royal Family.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 8, 2022
DUP leader pays tribute to Queen, saying her illness would cause an 'outpouring of emotion' across Northern Ireland
Jeffrey Donaldson, the DUP leader, has paid tribute to the Queen, saying there would be an “outpouring of emotion” across Northern Ireland in reaction to her deteriorated health.
Speaking in Belfast, he said:
We are all watching on with increasing alarm and concern about the news that is breaking. Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty the Queen and the royal family as they gather at Balmoral.
I know across Northern Ireland there will be an outpouring of emotion right now. The Queen has been a constant in our lives, unshakeable. She has provided strong leadership to this country in some very difficult and challenging times.
Her presence in Northern Ireland, her support from reconciliation, the work that she has done in building bridges with the Republic of Ireland.
She has made an enormous contribution to our lives, to our nation and our heart goes out to her majesty and her family in these very difficult times.
The Duchess of Sussex will remain in London (see also 16:39) but will not attend the WellChild awards as previously planned, reports PA. Meghan may however join Harry in Scotland at a later date.
Britain’s sense of self is under question, according to journalist Andrew Marr, who has said the Queen’s ill health marks the “biggest shaking of all”.
“This is going to be the biggest shaking of all. Britain’s sense of herself is under question,” he told The News Agents podcast. “The Queen is a very important part of the glue.”
Prince Harry travelling to Balmoral by himself, reports say
The Duchess of Sussex is not travelling to Balmoral with the Duke of Sussex, with Harry making the trip by himself, according to PA sources.
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The prayers of the nation are with the Queen, the archbishop of Canterbury has said, as Britain’s leaders sent messages of support to the monarch, who was put under medical supervision after doctors became worried about her health.
As her four children, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, gathered at Balmoral Castle to be with her, good wishes poured in.
“May God’s presence strengthen and comfort Her Majesty, her family, and those who are caring for her at Balmoral,” tweeted Justin Welby, the archbishop.
Buckingham Palace issued a statement at 12.32pm on Thursday saying doctors were concerned for the Queen’s health.
The palace said the head of state was comfortable and royal physicians had recommended she stayed under medical supervision as the future king, the Prince of Wales, and second in line to the throne, the Duke of Cambridge, cleared their diaries to dash to the Queen’s Scottish Highlands home.
Prince Harry, who was coincidentally visiting the UK from his home in the US, also rushed up to Balmoral to be with the Queen.
The UK’s leading political figures were quick to tweet about their concern.
Liz Truss, who became the prime minister after an audience with the Queen at Balmoral on Tuesday, was on the frontbench of the House of Commons in Westminster when she received the news about the Queen’s health.
“The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime,” she tweeted, adding “my thoughts – and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom – are with her Majesty the Queen and her family at this time.”
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The Scottish highland estate of Balmoral that has been a constant throughout the Queen’s life: where she spent childhood holidays with her sister Margaret, where her late husband Phillip proposed to her and where she was said by those who knew her best to be at her happiest.
During the afternoon, the focus has remained on the gates of Balmoral, where media are gathering. The estate, near the village of Crathie, has been one of the main residences of the British royal family since it was bought by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, in 1852. The Queen has holidayed there each summer for several months, usually arriving in August through to October.
She began her traditional annual summer stay there on July 21 this year, but ongoing mobility issues meant that she remained on the estate, missing her favourite highland games, the Braemar Gathering, but reportedly enjoyed watching it from her armchair as the event was livestreamed for the first time.
Footage of the small group of royals exiting the plane in Aberdeen. They’re not expected to reach Balmoral until approximately 5pm.
Meghan and Harry travelling separately from other royals to Balmoral
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were already in the UK for a planned visit, are understood to be on their way to Balmoral separately from other royals, reports PA. But they have reportedly been “in coordination” with the plans of other family members.
More than 100 people – many with umbrellas amid overcast conditions – have gathered outside Buckingham Palace after the news about the Queen’s ill-health.
Crowds have also gathered outside Balmoral:
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There are no plans for Liz Truss to visit Scotland today or tomorrow, Downing Street has said.
The prime minister’s official spokesperson said he could not give any updates on the Queen’s health or about any contact by Truss with the palace.
“The prime minister is working from Downing Street this afternoon in a series of meetings,” he said, reports the Press Association.
“As is standard, I wouldn’t get into any contact certainly between the prime minister and the Palace.”
Asked if there were any plans for the PM to travel to Scotland on Thursday or Friday, he said: “No.”
Downing Street also said it is not aware of any changes to business in the House of Commons tomorrow.
“That’s a decision for the Speaker, fundamentally, but I’m not aware of any change,” he said.
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Duke of Cambridge, Duke of York and Earl and Countess of Wessex touch down in Aberdeen
An RAF plane has landed in Aberdeen carrying the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of York and the Earl and Countess of Wessex. The Sussexes did not appear to be among them.
Royal Air Force flight KRF23R took off from RAF Northolt in South Ruislip, west London, at 2.39pm, according to flight tracking website Flightradar24.com. The Dassault Falcon landed at the Scottish airport at 3.50pm.
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A plane has just touched down at Aberdeen airport in overcast conditions, reportedly carrying seven members of the royal family.
It’s still not known exactly who the plane is carrying, but the BBC speculates that the Sussexes could be among them. It is now approaching three vehicles that are waiting for them.
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The first public signs that something was gravely amiss came with a flicker of activity in the House of Commons chamber as Liz Truss announced her energy price freeze.
It was a sign that the situation could be more serious than the careful words from Buckingham Palace suggested. The House of Commons had never been interrupted to hear news of the Queen’s health in this manner before.
The prime minister had finished her opening remarks and was seated on the frontbench next to the chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng. The Labour leader, Keir Starmer was in the middle of his response.
But MPs were distracted by the appearance of the new chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, Nadhim Zahawi, who had not been in the chamber for Truss’s speech. He slipped into the chamber and inserted himself between Kwarteng and Truss to speak to the prime minister, handing her a note, and then slipped out again.
Eagle-eyed MPs began to whisper to each other, wondering what was going on. It is not uncommon for ministers and MPs to pass notes to each other in the chamber or to help out with figures or responses to questions. But Truss had finished speaking. Zahawi returned to her side after a couple of minutes.
Phil Dampier, royal author and journalist, says it is clearly a “very serious situation” at Balmoral.
Only recently, he notes on BBC News, she was walking around the estate and has been horseriding.
If she passes away, the Queen will be an “impossible act to follow”, he warns.
A flight on its way to Aberdeen carrying seven members of the royal family is expected to land in about 10 minutes, reports BBC News, having taken off from RAF Northolt.
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Speculation by Nicholas Witchell, the BBC’s royal correspondent, over the Queen’s possible health conditions (see 14:07) has attracted criticism from some journalists:
Agreed - utterly baffling and bizarre to watch a Beeb royal correspondent offering competing theories about the Queen's physical health as the nation tunes in https://t.co/66rAbMnvhG
— Gabriel Pogrund (@Gabriel_Pogrund) September 8, 2022
The Bishop of Durham has paid tribute to the Queen during a debate on education in the House of Lords.
Rt Rev Paul Butler said: “I begin by expressing on behalf of the benches our concern for Her Majesty and the assurance of our thoughts and prayers for her and the royal family.”
The Queen’s top doctor is Prof Huw Thomas, head of the medical household and physician to the Queen.
He has been in the job since 2014 and was knighted last year.
At the time, Thomas, who is also a professor of gastrointestinal genetics at Imperial College London’s department of surgery and cancer, said:
It’s been a busy couple of years in this role, so I feel very grateful to have been recognised for my service to date.
He added:
You very much become part of that organisation and become the personal doctor to the principal people in it, who are patients just like other patients.
With the pandemic, the key priority of the Medical Household is trying to make sure that the people under its care are kept safe.
He has also been involved in delivering some of the younger members of the royal family, including Charlotte in 2015 and Louis in 2018, reports the Press Association.
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Mark Drakeford, the first minister of Wales, has said news of the Queen’s deteriorating health will have led to “an afternoon of “sober reflection and anxiety for households across Wales”.
At a press conference in Cardiff responding to the prime minister’s energy announcement, he said:
I should begin by just reflecting on the news published through Buckingham Palace earlier today – an afternoon of sober reflection and anxiety for households across Wales.
Of course, we will be wishing all sympathy and understanding with members of the royal family who are gathering at Balmoral.
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Peers from Labour and the crossbench have shared their wellwishes for the Queen.
The crossbench peer Lord Patel said during a debate in the House of Lords that he “wishes Her Majesty the Queen well”.
The Labour peer Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top said: “I too associate myself with the wishes and prayers that people are making for the royal family.”
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BBC One suspends regular programming
BBC One has suspended regular programming after the announcement about the change to the Queen’s health.
The broadcaster is airing a BBC News Special, which will be followed by the planned BBC News at Six.
Presenter Huw Edwards is wearing a dark suit, white shirt and black tie, in accordace with the BBC’s dress code for when a member of the royal family dies.
Bargain Hunt was interrupted at 12.39 to broadcast the statement from Buckingham Palace alerting the public to royal doctors’ concern for the Queen’s health.
Since then, the channel has been airing rolling news coverage on the Queen’s health.
Zara Mohammed, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, has said:
Our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty the Queen and the royal family at this time. We wish Her Majesty a swift and lasting recovery @ZaraM01
— MCB (@MuslimCouncil) September 8, 2022
The royal author Catherine Pepinster has said “the tectonic plates are shifting” and that the UK is on the “cusp of a new era”.
If the Queen’s reign is indeed coming to an end, she tells BBC News, it will be a “traumatic” moment for the country.
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The announcement about the health of the Queen, 96, comes after months of scrutiny over her health.
Here’s a timeline of key events from the summer from the Press Association:
21 July: The Queen travelled to her private Scottish home of Balmoral for the start of her traditional summer break.
28 July: The Prince of Wales represents the Queen at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony and reads a message from the Queen put in the Commonwealth Games Baton.
8 August: The Queen’s traditional welcome to Balmoral Castle by a guard of honour is reportedly held in private inside the grounds, with a source saying “This is a change in line with events being adapted for Her Majesty’s comfort”.
3 September: The Queen misses the Braemar Gathering, the popular Highland Games event, and the Prince of Wales officially opens a new structure celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. It is understood the decision was taken for the comfort of the head of state.
6 September: The Queen receives Boris Johnson at Balmoral Castle as he leaves office before she greets Liz Truss to ask her to form a government and become Prime Minister.
The historic audience is the first time the 96-year-old monarch carried out the key duty at her retreat in Aberdeenshire, rather than at Buckingham Palace.7 September: The Queen postpones her Privy Council meeting after being advised by royal doctors to rest.
8 September: Buckingham Palace announces that the Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral, with royal doctors saying they are concerned with her health.
Members of the royal family, including the Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge, the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, rush to be by her side.
The Queen’s health: what we know so far
The Queen, who is 96 years old, has been put under medical supervision after doctors became concerned about her health.
In a statement Buckingham Palace said: “Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.”
All her four children, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, are either with her or making their way to Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince William are all travelling to Balmoral to be with her. The Duchess of Cambridge has remained in Windsor as Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are in school.
Harry and Meghan, who were coincidentally in the UK for a number of engagements, are also travelling to Balmoral.
Expressions of concern have been flooding in. The prime minister, Liz Truss, said: “The whole country will be deeply concerned”. The archbishop of Canterbury said his “prayers and the prayers of the people across the Church of England and the nation” were with Her Majesty.
Concerns about the Queen’s health emerged in October when she cancelled a trip to Northern Ireland. Her mobility has prevented her attended some events this year and she continues to use a walking stick.
Although she made met Boris Johnson and Liz Truss on Tuesday, they travelled to Balmoral in a break with the tradition of meeting outgoing and incoming prime ministers at Buckingham Palace.
She also pulled out of an online meeting of the privy council on Wednesday after being advised by doctors to rest.
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Lord Kamall, a health minister, has said the thoughts of the House of Lords are with the Queen and her family.
He sad in the upper chamber:
I’m sure that all noble lords will be concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace about concerns over the health of Her Majesty.
I’m sure that the thoughts of all noble lords are with Her Majesty and her family at this time.
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The former Labour prime minister Tony Blair has said he is “deeply concerned” about the Queen’s condition.
“It is deeply concerning to hear today’s news from Buckingham Palace,” he said in a statement.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty the Queen and her family at this worrying time.”
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Police at the gates of Balmoral have started taking out barriers as wellwishers begin to gather outside the estate, reports the BBC.
About 20 people have gathered so far, BBC News reports. Prince Charles and Camilla are already there and Prince William is expected any time now. Prince Harry and Meghan are on their way, they report.
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Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the cardinal archbishop of Westminster and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has also shared his wellwishes:
I am concerned to hear the news about the Her Majesty The Queen's health. I offer my prayers for her and her family. May the blessings of the Lord strengthen and comfort her and her family.
— Cardinal Nichols (@CardinalNichols) September 8, 2022
Chief Rabbi Mirvis joined wellwishes for the Queen:
Her Majesty The Queen is very much in my prayers today and I know that Jewish communities around the Commonwealth will join me in wishing her a full and swift recovery. https://t.co/bjsQOs5Vy7
— Chief Rabbi Mirvis (@chiefrabbi) September 8, 2022
Doctors have expressed concern for the Queen’s health and recommended she remain under medical supervision, Buckingham Palace has said.
In a statement, the palace said: “Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.”
The Queen remains comfortable at Balmoral Castle.
The Commons Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, told MPs: “I know I speak on behalf of the entire house when I say that we send our best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen and that she and the royal family are in our thoughts and prayers at this moment.”
Concerns over the health of the 96-year-old head of state escalated when she pulled out of a virtual privy council meeting on Wednesday after doctors ordered her to rest.
Prince Charles was at her side at her Scottish residence, and Prince William was travelling to be with her.
A Clarence House spokesman said: “Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have travelled to Balmoral.”
A Kensington palace spokesman said: “The Duke of Cambridge is travelling to Balmoral.”
A spokesman for Harry and Meghan said they were also travelling to Balmoral. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were due to attend the WellChild awards ceremony in London on Thursday evening, but have changed their plans to travel to see the Queen,” the spokesman said.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex, and the Duke of York, were also travelling to Balmoral, while Princess Anne was already there, having been undertaking engagements in Scotland this week.
The prime minister, Liz Truss, said: “The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime.”
“My thoughts – and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom – are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time”.
Balmoral, the Queen’s summer home, is understood to be one of her favourite places where she is said to be happiest.
Every summer she travels to the Aberdeenshire estate with members of her family.
The castle has been in the family through generations since 1852 when it was bought for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert.
Usually she stays there throughout August and September into October. This year she went there on 21 July and remained there to appoint Liz Truss, the first time in her reign she has carried out the short audience, known as “kissing hands”, at Balmoral.
Princess Eugenie, the Queen’s granddaughter, once described Balmoral as a “lovely base for Granny and Grandpa" and a place to “have room to breathe and run”.
“Walks, picnics, dogs - a lot of dogs, there’s always dogs - and people coming in and out all the time,” she said.
Family barbecues used to be held there, with the late Duke of Edinburgh doing the cooking and the Queen the washing up.
After their marriage in 1947 they spent part of their honeymoon at Birkhall, a hunting lodge on the estate.
She was staying there with her grandsons William and Harry when their mother, the Princess of Wales, died in Paris in 1997.
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All the Queen’s four children are now with her at Balmoral Castle. Along with her grandson, the Duke of Cambridge.
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) September 8, 2022
This is a serious situation. #queen #queenelizabeth pic.twitter.com/6fWzhHxLol
She has been seen out on the grounds, walking the dogs, receiving visits from family and doing paperwork, Witchell tells BBC News, adding that there has been “no sharp” sign of major deterioration in her health.
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Nicholas Witchell, the BBC’s royal correspondent, says there have been “rumours of cancers” in recent speculation over the Queen’s health but no confirmation.
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Reacting to the news that the Queen is under medical supervision, the chief minister of Gibraltar, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP, said:
The thoughts of the loyal people of Gibraltar are with Her Majesty the Queen at this time. We wish her well and will all hope and pray for her speedy recovery. God Save The Queen.
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Liz Truss was on the Commons frontbench after her first major policy intervention as prime minister when she received the news about the Queen.
The first suggestion that something was wrong came when the chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Nadhim Zahawi, came into the chamber, sat down next to the prime minister and began urgently speaking to her during Labour leader Keir Starmer’s response to her energy statement, reports the Press Association.
Starmer was passed a note by his deputy, Angela Rayne,r and the Commons Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, was also delivered a note.
About 20 minutes before Buckingham Palace’s announcement, the Labour MP Chris Bryant tweeted: “Something odd is going on in the Commons. Zahawi briefing pm urgently.”
Within minutes of the palace statement, the Speaker interrupted Ian Blackford, the SNP Westminster leader, to tell MPs:
I know I speak on behalf of the entire House when I say that we send our best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen and that she and the royal family are in our thoughts and prayers at this moment.
He added:
If there is anything else, we will update the House accordingly.”
The Commons debate about energy policy continued but there was a “chilly and sombre” atmosphere, said Bryant.
He added: “As if the blood has been drained from its cheeks. We wish Her Majesty and her family well.”
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Aberdeen airport is 45 miles from Balmoral – about an hour’s drive, reports the BBC.
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Harry and Meghan will travel to Scotland, joining senior royals
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are in the middle of a planned visit to the UK, will be travelling to Scotland, a spokesperson for the couple has said.
Chris Ship, the ITV News royal editor, tweeted:
NEW: Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are travelling to Balmoral Castle. They were supposed to be doing a charity event in London this evening.
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) September 8, 2022
The Duchess of Cambridge has remained in Windsor as Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are on their first full day at their new school, Kensington Palace has said.
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The Earl and Countess of Wessex are also travelling to Balmoral. Princess Anne is already there, having been undertaking engagements in Scotland this week. The Duke of York is also travelling to Scotland.
Nicholas Witchell, the BBC’s royal correspondent, said this was “clearly a very significant moment” and said: “We are in a developing situation.”
He told BBC News: “All in all this is a very sombre moment.”
The big change in the Queen’s health came, he said, last October when she cancelled a trip to Northern Ireland and stayed in hospital overnight. Since then there have been several hospital visits but they have been as an outpatient.
He said the key question is whether there is an underlying condition “that has not been admitted to”.
He said he believed there was “no question” of the Queen being taken to hospital and that arrangements would have been made to treat her at Balmoral.
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The Princess Royal has arrived at Balmoral and other senior royals on their way
More senior royals are arriving at Balmoral. Sources told PA that the Princess Royal was there and that the Duke of York and the Earl and Countess of Wessex were on their way.
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The royal historian Anna Whitelock, a professor of the history of monarchy at City, University of London, said Buckingham Palace’s announcement suggested “clearly very serious times” and indicated “the end is not too long away”.
She told the BBC the Queen would “absolutely have been determined” to be there to see off Boris Johnson and appoint Liz Truss.
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The health of the Queen has been heavily scrutinised over the past year before today’s announcement that she had been placed under medical supervision.
Although she met Liz Truss and Boris Johnson on Tuesday, in contrast with tradition, they were required to travel to Balmoral for the change of leadership rather than Buckingham Palace.
The following day the Queen pulled out of a virtual Privy council meeting.
Other recent key events she has not attended due to mobility issues include the Platinum Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral after experiencing “discomfort” the previous day.
She made a surprise visit to open the Elizabeth line and on a golf buggy to visit Chelsea Flower Show.
Having experienced ongoing “episodic mobility problems” since last autumn, she has been using a walking stick.
The Duchess of Cornwall had been due to open a new visitor centre for the Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders on Friday.
But a royal spokesperson said it was “looking more likely” that the engagement would be cancelled and that she and the Prince of Wales had travelled to Balmoral.
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Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon says thoughts are with the Queen
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has said she is “profoundly concerned” about the Queen.
She tweeted:
All of us are feeling profoundly concerned at reports of Her Majesty’s health. My thoughts and wishes are with the Queen and all of the royal family at this time.
Speaking at the end of First Minister’s Questions, Holyrood’s presiding officer said: “I’m sure the thoughts of all in parliament are with Her Majesty at this time.”
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David Cameron, the former prime minister, has said he is “deeply concerned” by the statement from the Palace.
“Deeply concerned by the news this afternoon from Buckingham Palace,” he tweeted.
“I send my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this worrying time.”
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Mark Drakeford, the first minister of Wales, has shared his concern for the Queen.
Concerned to hear the news from Buckingham Palace.
— Mark Drakeford (@PrifWeinidog) September 8, 2022
I send my best wishes to Her Majesty and her family on behalf of the people of Wales.
Archbishop of Canterbury said the 'prayers of the nation' are with the Queen
The Archbishop of Canterbury has said the “prayers of the nation” are with the Queen.
Justin Welby tweeted:
My prayers, and the prayers of people across the (Church of England) and the nation, are with Her Majesty The Queen today.
May God’s presence strengthen and comfort Her Majesty, her family, and those who are caring for her at Balmoral.
My prayers, and the prayers of people across the @churchofengland and the nation, are with Her Majesty The Queen today.
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) September 8, 2022
May God’s presence strengthen and comfort Her Majesty, her family, and those who are caring for her at Balmoral.
Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, has also sent his wellwishes:
The whole nation’s thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family as we all hope and pray for her full recovery.
— Ed Davey (@EdwardJDavey) September 8, 2022
Ian Blackford, the SNP’s Westminster leader, said he is “saddened” to hear about the Queen’s ill health.
He told the Commons:
I’m sure on behalf of all colleagues that we’re saddened to hear the announcement that has been made, and the thoughts and prayers of all of us will be with her majesty the Queen and indeed with the royal family.
The Duchess of Cornwall has also travelled to Balmoral, reports the BBC.
The Queen, who has reigned for 70 years, has been at Balmoral on a summer break since July.
Here’s Liz Truss’s statement in full:
The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime.
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) September 8, 2022
My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time.
Labour leader says he is 'deeply worried' by news of Queen's ill health
Labour leader Keir Starmer has shared a statement:
Along with the rest of the country, I am deeply worried by the news from Buckingham Palace this afternoon.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 8, 2022
My thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time, and I join everyone across the United Kingdom in hoping for her recovery.
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Prince William on his way to Balmoral as Prince Charles is by Queen's side
The Queen is in a “comfortable condition”, reports the BBC, and Prince William is currently on his way to Balmoral. The Prince of Wales is at her side.
A Clarence House spokesman said: “Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have travelled to Balmoral.”
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “The Duke of Cambridge is travelling to Balmoral.”
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The Queen was seen in public for the first time in several weeks when she received the outgoing and incoming prime ministers this week. She looked bright, but frail and used a walking stick during Tuesday’s audiences with Liz Truss, which followed a visit from Boris Johnson as he tendered his resignation.
The following day it was announced that the Queen had cancelled the planned virtual privy council meeting. Buckingham Palace said at the time: “After a full day yesterday, Her Majesty has this afternoon accepted doctors’ advice to rest. This means that the privy council meeting that had been due to take place this evening will be rearranged.”
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The announcement of doctors’ concern for the Queen, 96, comes after she cancelled a planned appearance to chair the virtual privy council on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, she received visits from both outgoing prime minister, Boris Johnso,n and his successor, Liz Truss, at Balmoral instead of travelling to London for the event.
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Prime minister says thoughts of whole country are with the Queen
Liz Truss said “the whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime”.
The new prime minister, who visited the Queen at Balmoral on Tuesday, added: “My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time”.
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As the House of Commons debated the government’s £150bn energy price scheme, the Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, briefly intervened to say that “our best wishes” were with the monarch, and that he would update MPs if there was any more news.
Hoyle said:
I know I speak on behalf of the entire house when I say that we send our best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen, and that she and her family are in our thoughts and prayers at this moment.
He says he is not going to say any more at this point.
My colleague Caroline Davies’s story about the Queen is here.
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Queen under medical observation at Balmoral
The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became worried about her health, Buckingham Palace has said.
The Queen’s immediate family members have been informed.
A palace spokesperson said:
Following further evaluation this morning, the
Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she
remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at
Balmoral.
We will be following the latest developments here.
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