Queen Elizabeth II has died aged 96, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
Prince Charles will become King Charles and reign with immediate effect – as Britain is plunged into mourning and Operation London Bridge commences.
In a statement, he wrote: “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.
“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.”
People from across Wiltshire, and local businesses, have paid tribute to The Queen – posting on social media moments after the announcement:
Swindon Borough Council said: “We are saddened to hear of the death of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II and our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this difficult time. Our flags will fly at half-mast and further details of tribute locations and condolence books will be made available in the coming days.”
Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson wrote: “Thank you for everything Her Majesty. Such dreadfully sad news.”
Wiltshire-based astronaut Tim Peake said: “A remarkable woman. Thank you Ma’am for a lifetime of service and dedication. A sad day and our thoughts are with the Royal Family.”
Salisbury Reds bus company tweeted: “We join the rest of the United Kingdom in mourning the death of Her Majesty The Queen. We send our deepest sympathy to the Royal Family and pay tribute to the Queen’s extraordinary life of public service.”
Calne councillor Sam Pearce-Kearney said: “God rest her soul. Thank you for a life of dedicated service to our blessed country.”
Wiltshire Air Ambulance tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Her Majesty The Queen has passed away. The thoughts of us all at Wiltshire Air Ambulance are with the
Royal Family at this sad time.”
Swindon Labour Group wrote: “We are saddened to hear the news of the Queen’s death and pay tribute to her many years of outstanding public service and leadership of the country and Commonwealth. She has been a constant in many people’s lives and few Swindonians will remember the time before she was crowned.
“We send our condolences to the family. God save the King.”
Corsham councillor Helen Belcher said: “My deepest condolences to the King and the rest of the Royal Family on the death of a much-loved and much-respected Queen. Thank you for your service, Your Majesty.”
Chippenham Town Council said: “The Mayor of Chippenham, the Leader and all at Chippenham Town Council are deeply saddened on hearing the formal announcement from Buckingham Palace of the death of HM The Queen. We send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family at this extremely sad time.”
