Poignant moment Army veteran now driving Elizabeth Line train announces death of ‘amazing’ Queen to stunned passengers

• TikTok clip shows Elizabeth Line driver sharing poignant tribute to the Queen
• Man, who is a former British Army veteran, announced her death to commuters
• Elizabeth Line was opened as a lasting namesake to Her Majesty earlier this year 
• Her Majesty died ‘peacefully’ yesterday afternoon at Balmoral Castle aged 96 
• Full coverage: Click here to see all our coverage of the Queen’s passing

This is the poignant moment a former Army veteran shares a powerful personal tribute as he announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II to stunned commuters. 

The driver, who said he had the privilege of serving the monarch as a British Army soldier, shared the devastating news as it broke at around 6.30pm yesterday. 

With the nation gripped by tragedy, he said: ‘I’m sure you will all join me in a moment of remembrance for an amazing lady and Queen. 

‘Also join with me in a personal note, for me to say, that it was an honour to serve my Queen for nine years in the British Army.

‘It will be an honour working on the Elizabeth Line until the day I retire. Thank you.’

The commuter rail line opened as a lasting namesake to Her Majesty in May, with the monarch surprising all in attendance as she officially opened the £18.9bn project.

The driver, who said he had the privilege of serving the monarch as a British Army soldier, shared the devastating news as it broke at around 6.30pm yesterday

Tube driver gives an emotional tribute to the Queen, saying ‘he had been proud to serve as army officer for her’ to announce to passengers the news

The commuter rail line opened as a lasting namesake to Her Majesty in May, with the monarch surprising all in attendance as she officially opened the £18.9bn project

Leading an impromptu emotional tribute to Her Majesty, the driver then said ‘that he had been proud to serve as an army officer for her and will serve as an Elizabeth line driver until the day he retires’. 

Dozens of commenters took to TikTok and lavished praise on the man’s ‘respectful’ and ‘heartwaming’ comments in the wake of tragedy.

Joseph Thompson wrote: ‘This is the most heartwarming thing I’ve seen since I found out she’d gone.’

Another user added: ‘Protect that guy at all costs, very respectful and heartfelt.’

Another said: ‘Respect. Wish we could thank him for his service too.’

The Queen died yesterday afternoon at Balmoral with Charles and Princess Anne by her bedside. She was 96 years old and had reigned for 70 years – the longest of any British monarch. 

The news of her death sparked a wave of tributes both at home and abroad, led by the Prime Minister, who hailed the Queen as ‘the rock on which modern Britain was built’ and described her death as the end of the second Elizabethan age. 

Even the royal household’s staff were in tears yesterday, coming to terms with the loss of their much-loved head of state. 

Today, a national and royal period of mourning begins. Thousands flocked to Buckingham Palace yesterday to lay flowers and send messages of condolence. 

All Her Majesty’s children, as well as grandson Prince William, had rushed to Balmoral on Thursday after doctors became ‘concerned’ for her health. 

Buckingham Palace released a statement at 12.32pm saying the Queen’s doctors were ‘concerned’ for her health and recommended she remain under medical supervision while family members were informed.

Charles was already at his mother’s side at her beloved Highland home after senior aides, fearing the worst, sent the Queen’s burgundy-liveried helicopter up from Windsor at 6.48am to collect him from Dumfries House in Ayrshire, where he had stayed the night after conducting several official engagements. He made it to Balmoral by 10.27am.

Tonight he will give his first televised address to the country and Commonwealth as King, which he will have recorded earlier in the day. 

Yesterday, staff hurriedly arranged for a jet to collect the Queen’s other children – Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, and Prince Andrew, the Duke of York – as well as the Countess of Wessex, whom the Queen adores and treats like a second daughter – and bring them up to Aberdeen.

Boris Johnson, who until this week was the Queen’s 14th prime minister, said Britain was enduring its ‘saddest day’ following the death of ‘Elizabeth the Great’. Pictured, the Queen on Tuesday

Princes William, Andrew and Edward arrive at Balmoral along with Sophie, Countess of Wessex, as they rush to be at the Queen’s bedside after news of her deteriorating health was announced

Her grandson, Prince William – who, until the King bestows the title of Prince and Princess of Wales on him and his wife, will be known as the Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge – joined them.

His wife Kate remained with their three children, who have recently started a new school.

Prince Harry, travelling alone, raced north of the border from Scotland but was still mid-air by the time her death was officially confirmed by the palace. He would finally arrive at his grandmother’s favoured retreat at 7.52pm. 

Today, Operation London Bridge will swing into action, a period of ten days between the Queen’s death and her state funeral, which is expected to take place on Monday September 19, as the country is plunged into a period of official mourning.

The Queen’s coffin is expected to remain at Balmoral for at least the next two days before being flown back down to London next week.

But the pendulum to introduce His Majesty to his people will also begin to swing, with Charles and Camilla returning to London as King and Queen Consort today.

He is expected to hold his Accession Council tomorrow.

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