Rams, Bills hold pregame moment of silence for Queen Elizabeth
A moment of silence to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II was held before the NFL kicked off the first game of its regular season in Los Angeles on Thursday.
“Today the world lost a beloved global figure with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II,” the announcer said before the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium.
“At this time, please join in a moment of silence in the memory of Queen Elizabeth, whose message of unity and peace inspired people throughout the world for generations.”
Thursday’s game is the first of the NFL’s regular season. The Rams won the last Super Bowl, which was held at SoFi in February.
King Charles' reign will be unlike his mother's
LONDON — In the millennium-long history of the British royal family, no heir has prepared for the crown longer than King Charles III.
He ascended to the throne Thursday after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, fulfilling a destiny placed upon him at age 3, when she became the monarch in 1952. Charles’ wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, now has the title of queen consort.
Charles is also now head of the Commonwealth, a postcolonial group of 54 countries comprising 2.4 billion people. He is head of state in 15 of those nations — including Canada and Australia — although the queen’s death is likely to stoke an already simmering debate in the Caribbean and elsewhere about ditching their former colonial overseers for good.
English newspapers commemorate the queen
Helen Mirren, who won an Oscar playing the queen, says she is 'proud to be an Elizabethan'
Helen Mirren, who won the best actress Academy Award in 2007 for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in “The Queen,” paid tribute to the late monarch in an Instagram post Thursday afternoon.
“I am proud to be an Elizabethan,” Mirren wrote. “We mourn a woman, who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility.”
“The Queen” chronicles Elizabeth’s response to the death of Princess Diana in 1997. The film was written by Peter Morgan, who went on to create Netflix’s “The Crown.”
Biden, first lady pay respects at British Embassy in Washington
President Joe Biden and the first lady visited the British Embassy in Washington on Thursday evening to pay their respects to the queen.
The couple took flowers, signed a condolence book and briefly visited with embassy staff.
“We mourn for all of you. She was a great lady,” Biden said.
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, says she is 'heartbroken by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen'
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, expressed her sorrow and condolences in a series of tweets upon news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
“I am heartbroken by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy: the most fantastic example of duty and service and steadfastness, and a constant steadying presence as our head of state for more than 70 years," she wrote.
Ferguson was married to Prince Andrew until their divorce in 1996.
“She has given her whole life selflessly to the people of the UK & the Commonwealth. To me, she was the most incredible mother-in-law and friend. I will always be grateful to her for the generosity she showed me in remaining close to me even after my divorce," Ferguson wrote.
"I will miss her more than words can express."
Elton John, Mick Jagger among U.K. rock royalty paying tribute to the queen
With the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, British rock royalty paid tribute on Twitter.
Rollings Stones frontman Mick Jagger said the queen was a staple in his life since childhood. "For my whole life Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has always been there," Jagger wrote. "I remember her as a beautiful young lady, to the much beloved grandmother of the nation. My deepest sympathies are with the Royal family."
The Beatles' Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr also honored the late monarch. McCartney added his condolences by making three succinct statements: “God bless Queen Elizabeth II,” “May she rest in peace” and “Long live The King.” Starr tweeted: “God bless Queen Elizabeth peace and love to all the family peace and love Ringo.”
Elton John wrote: “Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing. She was an inspiring presence to be around and led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth.”
Prime minister alerted to queen's death 2 hours before public
No. 10 Downing St., the office of the British prime minister, said Liz Truss was told of the queen's death at 4:30 p.m. GMT by the Cabinet secretary, about two hours before it was shared publicly.
Truss, who became prime minister this week, then spoke to King Charles III, a spokesperson for the office said.
Beyond the speech she gave earlier Thursday, there are no other plans for Truss to make further statements, the spokesperson said. Anything else that occurs in the coming days will be a matter for Buckingham Palace.
Empire State Building to honor queen
The Empire State Building in Manhattan will be lit up Thursday night to honor the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The handlers of the iconic New York City landmark's social media account said in a Twitter statement: “Tonight, our tower lights will shine in purple and sparkle in silver to honor the life and legacy of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.”
'London Bridge' in motion: Plan for the queen's death swings into action
The term "London Bridge" was trending on social media around the world Thursday as the queen's death set in motion well-rehearsed plans that have been honed over many years.
It's an event that courtiers and civil servants have long prepared for.
Read more about the plans for the days ahead here.