In a sombre statement on Thursday evening, Buckingham Palace confirmed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history, had died aged 96 – making her son, Charles, King.
The new king paid tribute to his ‘beloved mother’ in a statement declaring the death of the Queen to be ‘a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family’.
The first statement from His Majesty the King said:
“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.”
A host of charities have joined King Charles in paying their tributes.
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Her Majesty became RNIB’s Patron upon her accession to the throne in 1952 and during this time made a tremendous contribution to our work. Her Majesty was a passionate advocate for the rights of blind and partially sighted people and generously hosted many receptions on behalf of our organisation.
“We are immensely grateful for Her Majesty’s longstanding support which has made such a difference to the lives of people with sight loss across the UK.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family and everyone who has been affected by this sad news.”
Matt Stringer, CEO – Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
Independent Age
“We are extremely saddened to hear of the death of Queen Elizabeth, a truly dedicated leader.
“Throughout her long reign, the Queen prioritised the needs of her country and touched many lives.
“She epitomised growing older with dignity and purpose.
“When the Queen turned down an award for older people at the age of 95 because ‘you are as old as you feel’, her positive attitude to ageing shone through, alongside her warmth and renowned sense of humour.
“For many of us, the Queen has been a constant figure in our lives and she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this difficult time.”
Independent Age responding to the death of Queen Elizabeth II
UK Charity Week Founder
“Her Majesty was a very graceful and elegant lady. She will forever be an icon of strength and resilience for our nation. My thoughts are with all The Royal Family at this difficult time.”
UK Charity Week Founder, Lee B. Rayment
Royal National Lifeboat Institution
“On behalf of everyone involved with the RNLI, we send our heartfelt condolences to The Royal Family on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty has dedicated 70 years as patron of the RNLI, engaging with and recognising the efforts of thousands of our people. We place on record our sincere thanks for Her Majesty’s unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea. Our thoughts are with The Royal Family and Her Majesty’s loyal subjects across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.”
RNLI Chief Executive, Mark Dowie
Cancer Research UK
“I was greatly saddened to hear the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
“As our Patron, she kindly supported us over the years, opening our laboratories and institutes which are an integral part of the charity’s pioneering work in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
“During her remarkable reign, the Queen generously supported many charities, shining a light on the work they do and making an enormous difference to millions of people up and down the country. She set an example for all of us – and leaves a lasting legacy for which we are hugely grateful.”
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive at Cancer Research UK
The British Heart Foundation
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and offer our sincere condolences to the Royal Family.
“The BHF, like thousands of charities across the country, is deeply grateful to Her Majesty for her tireless commitment to so many charitable causes and helping those in need.
“Along with the rest of the country, the UK and the Commonwealth, with heavy hearts we will pay tribute by joining a period of public mourning and reflection on her incredible life.”
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, BHF Chief Executive
Allergy UK
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We are thankful for the selfless public service, inspiring leadership and compassion that became the hallmarks of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, and on behalf of everyone at Allergy UK, send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family for their loss.”
Lynne Pritchard, Chair of Trustees, Allergy UK
RAF Benevolent Fund
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund –
“As our beloved Patron, Her Majesty inspired our work daily.
“Her Majesty knew only too well the sacrifices of a lifetime of service, in her own service to the throne, but also in her close relationship with all of her Armed Forces. She was steadfast in her commitment to the Royal Air Force, and we were honoured Her Majesty chose to become our Patron back in 1952.”
Chairman of the RAF Benevolent Fund, Richard Daniel –
“Her Majesty The Queen demonstrated during her reign the true spirit of public service and integrity, and the significance of the military service. A tireless supporter of our work, Her Majesty was an example to us all and her legacy will live on for generations to come.”
