The NFL is set to hold a moment of silence to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II before the season-opening match between the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Thursday night.
Buckingham Palace announced the tragic death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday evening, revealing she died peacefully at Balmoral Castle. She died aged 96, ending the longest reign by any monarch in British history. She died having served 70 years on the throne.
As a result of her passing, the NFL announced the league will have a moment of silence to honour Her Majesty’s memory. In response to Thursday's tragedy, the NFL UK Twitter account released a statement.
“Everyone at NFL UK is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II,” read the Tweet. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with The Royal Family. We join all those mourning the loss of Her Majesty.”
The palace announced she died at Balmoral, her summer residence in Scotland. Members of the royal family had rushed north in order to be by her side following news of her deteriorating health.
Queen Elizabeth was the last leader of an age when monarchs wielded genuine political power, and she was the only monarch most of the population have ever known. Prince Charles has automatically become king aged 73, and will be officially known as King Charles III.
British monarchs in the past have selected new names upon taking the throne. Charles’ wife Camilla will be known as the Queen Consort.
The 2022 NFL season kicks off when the Rams host the Bills on Thursday night as 32 teams are set to battle to reach the Super Bowl and lift the Lombardi Trophy.
