Royal Navy Ships Hold Gun Salutes

Royal Navy ships held gun salutes in the memory of Queen Elizabeth II on Friday, the day after her death.

The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defense shared a 28-second video clip on social media that showed some of the gun salutes taking place. The salutes have occurred "in all four nations of the United Kingdom and on board Royal Navy ships at sea, to pay respects to The Queen after 70 years of service to the country," the ministry said.

Gun salutes were shown on board the HMS Richmond and at the Portsmouth naval base in the ministry's video.

The clip also showed gun salutes taking place at the Tower of London and in Hyde Park, both of which were included on Buckingham Palace's list of ways the queen's death will be officially mourned.

The palace had instructed the gun salutes to begin at 1 p.m. local time on Friday, and for a round to be fired "for each year of The Queen's life."

Photographers captured images of rounds being fired across the UK as mourners gathered to watch.

New Line of Succession for the Throne

After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, her son, Charles, ascended the throne as King Charles III.

Here is the new order of succession for the British throne:

Prince William, Charles' eldest son, is now the heir-apparent. William and his wife, Catherine Middleton, were known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Now, they will take over his father's titles, as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and the Prince and Princess of Whales.

The line of succession then continues through their children.

Next in line is 9-year-old Prince George. Then follows his siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. George's children will eventually move ahead of his siblings in the line of succession.

A 2013 law ensured Charlotte would not be skipped over by her younger brother in the line of succession. Succession now passes by birth order, regardless of gender order.

After William's family, comes his brother, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, announced in 2020 that they would step back from their roles as senior members of the British royal family.

The line of succession will continue to his two children, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, age three, and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor, who was born last summer.

After King Charles' children and grandchildren, the line of succession moves to his siblings and their children.

Eighth in line for the throne is Prince Andrew, the Duke of York.

Then comes his daughter, Princess Beatrice, his eldest daughter with his former wife Sarah Ferguson. Then comes her daughter, Sienna Elizabeth, born a year ago.

Andrew's second daughter, Eugenie, is 11th in line for the throne. Then follows her son, August Brooksbank, born last February.

Queen Elizabeth's third son, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, is 13th in line.

After him, the line of succession continues with his son James, Viscount Severn, and then his daughter, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor.

'God Save the King' Sang for First Time in Decades

During the prayer service for Queen Elizabeth II at St. Paul's Cathedral, the first official public rendition of the new national anthem was sung since the Queen's death.

For seven decades, people in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth sang "God Save the Queen."

But Friday, the day after the Queen's death was announced, the crowd inside St. Paul's sang the new lyrics, "God Save the King" now that King Charles III is now on the throne.

Earlier Friday afternoon, crowds gathered outside of Buckingham Palace also broke out in "God Save the King" and King Charles greeted them upon his return to London.

Meghan Reportedly Not Invited to See Queen

Meghan Markle was reportedly not invited to make the trip to Balmoral Castle on Thursday to visit Queen Elizabeth II before her death.

The royal family has made no public statements confirming who was or was not invited to the castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, but a Sussex spokesperson told Newsweek on Thursday that Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, "will be traveling to Scotland."

Later in the day, the duke was seen traveling alone.

Many have speculated about why the duchess did not travel with her husband, some wondering if it had to do with existing tensions between the couple and the royal family.

Royal expert Katie Nicholl told ET that Markle "was not, we understand, invited to join the family." Nicholl added that Markle "has said she will go to Balmoral another time."

Other possible reasons that Prince Harry was traveling alone spread online in the wake of the queen's death, with other royal commentators also weighing in.

Kate Middleton, whom King Charles III identified as the Princess of Wales on Friday, also did not travel to Balmoral with Prince William on Thursday. Another royal expert told Fox News Digital that the decision for Markle to not make the trip with Prince Harry "is likely due to the fact that the Duchess of Cambridge stayed behind."

Liz Truss Has First Audience With King

The British Prime Minister had her first audience with King Charles III Friday.

Prime Minister Liz Truss met with King Charles at Buckingham Palace this afternoon, one day after the death of Queen Elizabeth II was announced.

This meeting came just hours after the King returned to London from Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

The newly-appointed prime minister met with the late Queen just three days ago, in what was the Queen's final public appearance.

Truss took office Tuesday after Boris Johnson resigned.

King Charles is heard saying the death of his mother was a moment he'd been "dreading."

As he shook hands with Truss, the pair made small talk and the King acknowledged the outpouring of support from the people he greeted outside of Buckingham Palace. Truss shared her condolences for the loss of his mother, the Queen.

"The moment I've been dreading, as I know a lot of people have," the King said.

Harry, Meghan's Kids Now Prince and Princess

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children may now have royal titles as King Charles ascends the throne.

Harry and Meghan, the Duck and Duchess of Sussex, will retain their titles even after stepping away from their role as senior royals in 2020. At that time, the couple stopped using their "His and Her Royal Highness" titles.

Their children, Archie and Lilibet, could now possibly be called prince and princess.

King George V, back in 1917, declared that the children and grandchildren of a reigning sovereign have the automatic right to the titles of prince or princess and His or Her Royal Highness.

Now that Queen Elizabeth, Archie and Lilibet's great-grandmother, has died and their grandfather, King Charles II, is the new monarch, their title can change. This change is typically automatic, but Markle said there was some issue when she was pregnant with Archie, amid concerns of his skin tone.

In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Markle said the royal family discussed changing the rules to permanently deny Archie his title of prince.

"I think even with that convention I'm talking about, while I was pregnant, they said they want to change the convention for Archie," she said in the interview.

When he was born, Archie was given the title Earl of Dumbarton. He could have had the title of lord, but his parents chose to call him Master Archie, according to Buckingham Palace.

'The Crown Endures,' Truss Says

Prime Minister Liz Truss addressed Parliament on Friday, the day after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She spoke of the queen's impact on the United Kingdom and of the outpouring of support the public has shown the royal family over the last two days.

"The Crown endures," she said. "Our nation endures."

Truss spoke of the over 70 years the queen spent as reigning monarch, referring to her as "the rock on which modern Britain was built." The queen began her reign as Britain was recovering from World War II, and she now "bequeaths a modern, dynamic nation that has grown and flourished under her reign," Truss said.

"The United Kingdom is the great country it is today because of her," she said. "The Commonwealth is the family of nations it is today because of her."

Truss, who is new in the prime minister role, noted the queen worked with several previous prime ministers and said she "personally greatly valued [the queen's] wise advice."

The prime minister's comments then shifted to offer "our deepest sympathy to all members of the Royal Family" and "our loyal service to our new King."

Truss mentioned she spoke with King Charles III Thursday night and said that, while he is in mourning, "his sense of duty and service is clear."

"He has already made a profound contribution through his work on conservation, education, and his tireless diplomacy," Truss said. "We owe him our loyalty and devotion."

King Charles to Step Back from Charity Work

King Charles III said his life and responsibilities will change as he takes over as monarch, including taking a step back from his charity work.

"My life will of course change as I take up my new responsibilities," the King said during his first address Friday. "It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply."

He said he will leave this "important work" in the "trusted hands of others."

This is also a time of change for the King's family, including his wife of 17 years, Camilla, who now becomes his Queen Consort.

"I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much," the King said.

Amid these changes, the King said the values of the nation will remain constant, as they have through decades of change and challenge under his mother's reign. And so will the role and duties of the monarchy.

He said he maintains a strong faith in the Church of England and cherishes a sense of duty to others.

As the Queen herself did with such "unswerving devotion," the King said he too pledges himself to uphold the constitutional principles "at the heart of our nation."

"And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavor to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life," he said.

King Thanks 'Darling Mama'

King Charles III closed out his first address as Britain's reigning monarch with a message of thanks to his late mother on the day after her death.

"And to my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you," the king said.

Moments earlier, the king had thanked the public's outpouring of support for the royal family as tributes to the queen popped up across the United Kingdom and around the world. He next turned his focus to his mother and what she had meant to his family and the lands over which she reigned.

"Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years," he said.

The king then concluded his address with a line from William Shakespeare's Hamlet: "May 'flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest.'"

King Charles Sends Love to Harry, Meghan

King Charles III mentioned his son, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle, during his first address as monarch.

After discussing title changes for his oldest son, and heir-apparent, Prince William, the King shared his love for Harry.

"I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas," he said.

In 2020, Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, stepped back from their roles as senior members of the royal family.

The couple then moved to North America and now reside in California.

Harry and Meghan were in the U.K. this week before news of the Queen's failing health. Harry went to be with his family at Balmoral Castle in Scotland alone Thursday while Meghan remained in London. The couple is expected to stay in the U.K. until the Queen's funeral.

William Becomes Prince of Wales

King Charles III confirmed the new title of his oldest son William during his first address delivered as king.

William, now the Prince of Wales, is first in the line of succession following the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8.

The prince "now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me," the king said in a pre-recorded message that was broadcast on major news networks throughout the United Kingdom.

"He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Dutchy of Cornwall which I have undertaken for more than five decades," he continued.

"Today I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty," he said.

The prince and his wife, Catherine, will "continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the center ground where vital help can be given," the king said.

King Charles Renews Queen's Promise of Service

King Charles III honored the legacy of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, during his first address as King.

He called the Queen "an inspiration and example" to him and his family.

"We owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example," he said.

The King said Queen Elizabeth's live was "well-lived" and "a promise destiny kept."

He said he renews her promise of life-long service today.

The King said he and his family share in the grief of all living in the United Kingdom and wherever the Queen was the head of state throughout the Commonwealth.

He recalled the Queen's pledge in 1947 in which she devoted her life to the service of her people.

"That was more than a promise, it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life," he said. "She made sacrifices for duty. Her dedication and devotion as sovereign never waivered through times of change, progress, through times of joy and celebration and through times of sadness and loss."

The Queen had an "abiding love of tradition" and a "fearless embrace of progress" which "makes us great as nations," the King said.

"The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became hallmark of her reign," he said.

And members of the royal family, he said, know she combined these qualities with warmth, humor and the ability to see the best in people.

"I pay tribute to my mother's memory, and I honor her life of service," he said. "I know her death brings great sadness to so many of you and I share that sense of loss beyond measure with you all."

Service of Prayer and Reflection Underway

The Service of Prayer and Reflection in honor of Queen Elizabeth II is now underway at at St Paul's Cathedral.

Some 2,000 members of the public were allowed to attend.

The order of service can be viewed here. The end of the program features two quotes from Queen Elizabeth II.

The first reads: "I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong," Queen Elizabeth II said in South Africa on April 21 1947.

The second, and the last text appearing in the program, reads: "Grief is the price we pay for love," Queen Elizabeth II to the people of New York, 21st September 2001.

Prime Minister Sits Front Row at Prayer Service

British Prime Minister Liz Truss has arrived at St. Paul's Cathedral for the prayer and reflection service for Queen Elizabeth II.

Truss took a front-row seat for the service, according to PA Media.

The service will include songs and readings from leaders, including the Archbishop of Canterbury. Truss herself is expected to deliver a reading.

Watch: King Charles III Address

Mourners Take Seats at St. Paul's

People grieving the death of Queen Elizabeth II gathered outside St. Paul's Cathedral in London on Friday in anticipation of the service that is set to begin at 6 p.m. local time.

Videos and photos show a line snaking around the outside of the cathedral as members of the public waited for their opportunity to go inside and pay their respects.

An official website for the cathedral acknowledged the queen's death "with great sadness" and said a service "of Prayer and Reflection" would take place Friday evening. The website said the cathedral would be closed to the public during the day as preparations for that service were made.

Though the service is open to the public, the cathedral said limited seating would be available. Wristbands were required for entry, and all of those available had already been handed out before the service began.

As the time of the scheduled service drew near, armed law enforcement officers could be seen standing outside the cathedral entrance as it opened to the public.

Mourners could be seen taking their seats in photos shared from inside the cathedral.

Woman Kisses King by Palace Gate

As King Charles III greeted crowds outside the gates of Buckingham Palace on Friday, one woman asked his permission to give him a kiss.

Media outlets captured the king's arrival at Buckingham Palace, his first time there since the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8. Video footage showed him greeting people who were packed together outside the front of the palace gates. Some people took photos while others shook the king's hand and offered their condolences for his mother's death.

As the king made his way along the line of people, one woman shook his hand and asked, "Can I kiss you? Please?"

After a brief hesitation, the king leaned in so the woman could kiss him on the cheek. He then continued his path past the crowds, greeting others as he walked along.

How to Watch King's Address

King Charles III will make his first address as the monarch in about an hour.

The King returned to London Friday, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

The pre-recorded address will stream live on major United Kingdom broadcast networks, including the BBC, Sky News, Channel 4 News and ITV.

The address is expected to begin at 6 p.m. local time, 1 p.m. ET. Watch live below:

King's Proclamation Happens Tomorrow

Buckingham Palace has announced the Accession Council will officially proclaim King Charles III as the new British monarch on Saturday.

The proclamation will take place at 10 a.m. local time in London at the State apartments of St. James's Palace.

The Accession Council's process will be divided into two parts, Buckingham Palace explained in a Friday press release. First, the Privy Council will proclaim the new monarch and "formally approve various consequential Orders, including the arrangements for the Proclamation." Charles, who became king immediately upon Queen Elizabeth II's death, will not attend this first part of the Accession Council.

King Charles III will be present for the second step. At this stage, he "will make his Declaration and read and sign an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland and approve Orders in Council which facilitate continuity of government," the Palace said.

After these two steps have been completed, the Palace said the Principal Proclamation will be read at 11 a.m. by the Garter King of Arms from the balcony above Friary Court at St. James's Place. The proclamation will be read later Saturday in London, and will be read on Sunday in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Royal Family Prepares for Queen's Funeral

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the royal family prepares for her funeral.

The ceremony is not expected to be held until at least 10 days after the Queen's death. The royal family is currently in a period of mourning until a week after the funeral.

An exact date or time has not yet been announced by Buckingham Palace.

The funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey in London, the site of the Queen's coronation in 1953 and her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947.

The Queen's coffin is expected to lie in state at Westminster Hall for four or five days, although no formal announcement has been made at this time.

U.S. President Joe Biden will attend the Queen's funeral, the White House said Friday.

Mourners Lay Flowers at Buckingham Palace

Crowds of mourners continue to gather outside of Buckingham Palace one day after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

People have swarmed the area around the palace, from the palace gates, to the Queen Victoria Memorial and down the mall leading up to Buckingham Palace.

Hundreds of floral tributes, some with personal notes to the Queen, have been left at the palace gates and along the road leading up to Buckingham Palace.

King Charles III took a moment greet crowds and to admire the tributes to his late mother the Queen.

Royal Family Enters Mourning Period

The royal family is now in a period of mourning following the death of its longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

King Charles III announced that the period of Royal Mourning will begin Friday and will last until seven days after the Queen's funeral. The date of the funeral has yet to be confirmed.

"Royal Mourning will be observed by Members of the Royal Family, Royal Household staff and Representatives of the Royal Household on official duties, together with troops committed to Ceremonial Duties," Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

The flags at the royal residences, including Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, will remain at half-mast until the morning after the final day of mourning.

The half-masting of flags does not apply to the Royal Standard and the Royal Standard in Scotland when The King is in residence, as they are always flown at full mast, Buckingham Palace said.

The royal family also outlined guidelines for floral tributes at the royal residences, including Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, the Sandringham Estate, Balmoral Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Hillsborough Castle.

King Charles to Address Nation

King Charles III will make his first address as King Friday.

The King will address the nation and the Commonwealth at 6 p.m. local time, 1 p.m. ET, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace.

A transcript of the message will also be available from Press Association, the statement said.

The address will be a pre-recorded message and will be shown on every major channel in the United Kingdom, including BBC One, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky News. Many networks have suspended their programing to cover the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

King Charles Greets Crowds in London

King Charles III has returned to London for the first time as the new monarch a day after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died Thursday.

He left Balmoral Castle in Scotland Friday morning with his wife, Camilla, the new Queen Consort.

Charles is currently greeting mourners who have gathered outside of Buckingham Palace. The King was shaking hands and the crowd gave their condolences for his loss and broke out in the national anthem, "God Save the King."

One person in the crowd even landed a kiss on the King as he moved down the line of mourners.

King Charles and Camilla also admired the flowers laid at the gates before entering Buckingham Palace.