QUEEN'S DEATH:
- World in mourning as Elizabeth II dies peacefully at Balmoral
• King Charles III leads Royal Family tributes - 'the greatest sadness for me'
• NZ to observe national period of mourning, memorial service planned
• Jacinda Ardern praises 'incredible woman'
• The ascension of King Charles III - what happens now
• Obituary: 'A lifelong devotion to duty'
• Listen: Mike Hosking sobs on air as news of Queen's death breaks
• Claire Trevett: A fleeting but special Balmoral encounter with the Queen
The newly ascended King Charles III has led personal tributes to the Queen - describing her death earlier today as the "greatest sadness".
Queen Elizabeth II, the Commonwealth's longest-serving monarch died at the age of 96 after 70 years on the throne. Her son, Charles, ascends to the throne immediately.
Members of the Royal Family were at her side at Balmoral as she died peacefully, Buckingham Palace announced at 5.30am on Friday (NZT).
"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," said Charles in a statement.
"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. "
Prince Harry, who was due to appear at a charity awards ceremony in London later Thursday, cancelled that appearance and was making his way to Scotland separately. He and Meghan paid tribute to the Queen by blacking out their website with the words: In Loving Memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 1926-2022".
From Wellington to Washington, world leaders and the public are mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
An at-times emotional Jacinda Ardern recalled advice from the Queen on raising children while serving your country and spoke about how much she admired and had learned from the monarch. "She was extraordinary," Ardern said from the Beehive this morning. "I am profoundly sad."
STORY CONTINUES AFTER LIVE BLOG:
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you