THIS is the poignant moment flight attendants wept as a pilot announced the Queen's death on a flight to Heathrow.

Her Majesty died peacefully on Thursday at the age of 96 – bringing her 70-year reign to an end.



As the world began grieving for the beloved monarch, the pilot of a British Airways flight out of New York City revealed the devasting news on board over the speaker.

Footage shows passengers and cabin crew shedding tears as he delivered the news shortly before the plane landed at London Heathrow.

The pilot said: "The Queen passed away earlier today with her family by her side.

“I thought at the moment I should at least tell you that before you arrive at the terminal, because I know many will be very, very sad about this.

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“It will give you some time to reflect because we have 40 minutes for landing.

"We will all be thinking about her family in this time.”

The clip, filmed by passenger Laerke Christensen, shows two flight attendants wiping their eyes.

In a sombre statement, Buckingham Palace confirmed Her Majesty Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history, had passed away – making her son, Charles, King.

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Buckingham Palace announced in a statement on Thursday: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

"The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

Charles, who will now be known as King Charles III, gave a statement as he led the nation in mourning.

The new King said: “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.”


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