Huw Edwards appeared emotionally as he announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II, aged 96. The news of the monarch's passing was announced at around 6.30pm on Thursday, September 8.
The Queen was the nation’s longest-reigning monarch, serving as head of state for more than 70 years, celebrating her Platinum Jubilee in June. The Prince of Wales is now King, having acceded to the throne immediately on the death of his mother.
In a short statement, the Palace said: "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."
READ MORE: BREAKING: Queen Elizabeth II, United Kingdom's longest ruling monarch, dies aged 96 - latest updates
As with Royal protocol, and set out in Operation Unicorn, a plan which sets out all the steps that must be followed following the Queen's death, the announcement was made by Buckingham Palace, which was first given to the Press Association and the BBC.
It was broadcaster Huw Edwards delivered the news of the Queen’s death live on BBC One. After an image of the flag at Buckingham Palace was shown at half mast, he told viewers: "A few moments ago Buckingham Palace announced the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."
Edwards then read out the statement from Buckingham Palace which announced the news. The broadcaster was dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and black tie, in line with the BBC’s dress code for when a member of the royal family dies as a mark of respect. BBC One then played the national anthem following the announcement, showing a photograph of the Queen, followed by a royal crest on a black background and the words Queen Elizabeth II.
Edwards described the news of the Queen’s death as a “seismic event” while discussing her life with BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell. He told BBC viewers: "It’s a seismic event, it’s the longest reigning monarch in British history, who has left us at the age of 96.
"And it’s not a surprise when someone of that age suffers ill health and eventually passes away but what is left of course is the reflection on what was achieved and the kind of life that was led, and the sense of duty and a sense of loyalty. And as Nick was saying, the sense of humility, which seems rather bizarre to say for a monarch, as someone who had a sense of service to others. And this was a theme that was repeated so often in the Queen’s statements and at great milestones in her life."
Witchell added: "One does, this - for the nation, for them - is an absolutely massive moment. It's a moment of great solemnity and national sadness and it's hard fully to take it in. It is an incredible shock. Many people will feel a sense of personal lost. Others will find it very disorientating. It is the end of what history will judge as one of the most remarkable reigns."
Edwards went on to reflect on her life as the broadcaster aired images from key moments from the monarch’s reign. King Charles III has also issued a statement following the death of his mother, the Queen:
“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family," he 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.
"During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held."
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