Viral Tweet Asks U.S. to Respect Queen's Death: 'Spiritual Grandmother'

Queen Elizabeth II's death has sent Britain and the world into mourning and some in Britain have warned Americans the tragedy is like "the passing of the chief saint of a still felt British religion."

Britain's longest reigning monarch died peacefully at Balmoral on September 8, and her eldest son Charles automatically became king, while his wife Camilla will be known as the queen consort.

"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," a statement from Buckingham Palace said. "The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

Before the announcement, insensitive social media posts had sent up fears surrounding her health, including a political website that had to delete its post.

Author Ben Judah wrote on Twitter: "Americans are welcome to s***post but they should be warned of intense depths of feelings here: it's hard to explain but millions feel the Queen is their spiritual grandmother. It's not like a dying President. But the passing of the chief saint of a still felt British religion."

Meanwhile, another Twitter user named Brandon wrote: "Making fun of queen Elizabeth death is pure misogyny at its finest when betty white died people wouldn't dare make a joke about something so tragic so why is this any different."

King Charles III said in his first statement, which was released at 7 p.m. U.K. time: "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."

Prince William, Prince Edward, Sophie Wessex and Prince Harry traveled to Scotland to be at the monarch's side ahead of the announcement.

Princess Anne was already at Balmoral while Charles and Camilla traveled from Dumfries House, in Scotland.

British Prime Minister Liz Truss described Elizabeth as "the rock on which modern Britain was built" and said her death was a "huge shock to the nation and the world."

Elizabeth embodied "the very spirit of Great Britain," and said the U.K. had "grown and flourished under her reign."

Truss said King Charles II had the nation's "loyalty and devotion, just as his mother devoted so much to so many for so long."