Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard opened Good Morning Britain for the first time following the Queen's death on Friday morning (September 9). The nation, and the world, was rocked by the news that Queen Elizabeth II had died, aged 96, on Thursday afternoon.
Her death was announced at around 6.30pm following the release of a brief statement by Buckingham Palace. 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.
The Queen has since been remembered for dedicating her life to her royal duty. She was the first British monarch in history to reach her Platinum Jubilee, and has died just three months after the national celebrations in June celebrating her 70 years on the throne.
READ MORE: Death of Queen Elizabeth II - latest updates as period of mourning to begin
The sad news of her passing comes 17 months after she mourned the loss of her beloved husband of 73 years, the Duke of Edinburgh, who died aged 99 in April 2021.
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."
Planned programming across the main networks was the suspended, including on ITV. It restrated its live broadcasts at 6am this morning (September 9) with Good Morning Britain hosted by Susanna and Ben. Susanna, who returned to the programme following her summer break on Monday, is usually off for the last show of the week but will especially return for coverage of the Queen's passing.
Appearing on the panel, the presenters on the show wore black as the country official entered 10 days of national mourning at midnight. While Susanna and Ben hosted from the studios, Kate Garraway stood outside Buckingham Palace with mourners still gathering to lay flowers at the gates to pay their respects to the longest reigning monarch.
"A nation is in mourning as Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest reigning monarch, passes away at the age of 96, after 70 years on the throne," Susanna began as a poignant portrait of her Majesty appeared on the screen behind them.
"Her son, King Charles III, says the loss of he beloved mother is a 'moment of great sadness' for him and his family and that it will be deeply felt around the world," Ben continued.
Later, paying tribute, Ben said: "It's a remarkable life she lived." Susanna added: "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.
"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."
Meanwhile, from outside the studio, Kate echoed Susanna's thoughts on how the nation are shocked we "won't see her again." She said: "The atmosphere here has been one of we all knew this would happen but didn't want it to. Flowers are being laid.
"I'm lucky enough I pass these gates every day on the way to work. There are always tourists here and there is always a secret feeling: 'I wonder if we will see the Queen'. People are already responding saying I can't believe we won't see her again."
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