BMW PGA Championship halts play following the death of Queen Elizabeth II

Play was suspended for the rest of the day at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth on Thursday following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the DP World Tour announced.

The world golf tour said all facilities have been closed «with immediate effect» with «further guidance» to be provided later in the day.

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability across much of a turbulent century, died Thursday after 70 years on the throne. She was 96.

The palace announced she died at Balmoral Castle, her summer residence in Scotland, where members of the royal family had rushed to her side after her health took a turn for the worse.

England's Tommy Fleetwood and Andy Sullivan are tied for the lead in the BMW PGA Championship, having completed their second round at 8 under. There were 30 golfers still on the course when play was suspended.

«We are greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty today,» Peter Forster, the captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, said in a statement. «Following her accession in 1952, Her late Majesty graciously accepted the Patronage of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, as has been the custom of reigning Monarchs since HM King William IV in 1834.

»Although not a golfer, Her late Majesty's 70-year patronage of the club was a great honour for its members. We hold His Majesty The King and all The Royal Family in our thoughts at this time of mourning."

Elizabeth handed the Jules Rimet Trophy to England captain Bobby Moore when the national soccer team won the men's World Cup by beating West Germany at Wembley Stadium in 1966.

The Premier League had yet to announce plans for this weekend's soccer matches, but they issued a statement on Twitter.

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