Pope Pays Tribute To Queen’s ‘Devotion To Duty’

Pope Francis has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

He also spoke of his prayers for King Charles, “Commending her noble soul to the merciful goodness of our Heavenly Father, I assure Your Majesty of my prayers that Almighty God will sustain you with his unfailing grace as you now take up your high responsibilities as King.

“Upon you and all who cherish the memory of your late mother, I invoke an abundance of divine blessings as a pledge of comfort and strength in the Lord.”

As night falls at Buckingham Palace, the crowds continue to gather. People are here to reflect on the Queen’s death.

Young and old try to make their way to the crowded gates to lay their flowers.

Debbie Thomas, from South Shields, had been at the London Eye when she heard the news. She says: “My son phoned us and said she died. We’re in shock and just came straight here to pay our respects.”

The 50-year-old adds: “She’s been a great monarch for the last 70 years, I can’t believe it really.”

As lights beam up on the facade of the Palace, applause and cheers break out.

The sea of people coming to take in the moment just grows and grows.